Gary Stead
Gary Stead. Credit: Getty Images

New Zealand have reappointed Gary Stead as their head coach while handing him a new three-year deal. The Black Caps had roped in Gary Stead for the first time in 2018 when he replaced former head coach Mike Hesson. He will now continue as the New Zealand coach until the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Gary Stead earned the new contract after an impressive two-year spell with the Black Caps. During his first tenure, New Zealand did well across formats and also made it to the final of the 2019 World Cup where they lost to England in a thrilling encounter.

The Kane Williamson-led side won away against Pakistan and drew the series in Sri Lanka before losing to Australia. However, they bounced back in style and thrashed India in the ODI and Test formats earlier this year. New Zealand also won the home Test series against England last year. At present, they are ranked No. 2 in Test cricket, No. 3 in ODIs and 6th in T20Is and sit 4th in the ICC Test Championship.

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Gary Stead, Kane Williamson
Gary Stead and Kane Williamson. (Credits: Twitter)

The re-appointment has also firmly put the rumours of rift between the head coach and Williamson to bed. Both Gary Stead as well as Williamson have denied the rumours while stating that there were differences between them just because a difference of opinion and vowed to work together.

Gary Stead reacts:

Expressing his delight over being re-appointed, Gary Stead said he was looking forward to building on the progress of the past couple of years. He was also all praise for the support he has received from the players and

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be re-appointed,” he said. “I think this group of players is growing as a team; there’s an exciting schedule ahead of us and I know everyone is feeling very optimistic about our chances in all three formats.

“I’m very appreciative of the backing I’ve enjoyed from the players, the support staff and NZC and hope I can repay that confidence by helping the Black Caps achieve their goals and objectives over the next three years.”

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