Gary Stead named New Zealand head coach

The New Zealand Cricket Board on Wednesday appointed former Test cricketer Gary Stead as the head coach of the Blackcaps. Stead will replace Mike Hesson, who had decided to step down in June this year citing personal reasons.

The New Zealand Cricket Board on Wednesday appointed former Test cricketer Gary Stead as the head coach of the Blackcaps. Stead will replace Mike Hesson, who had decided to step down in June this year citing personal reasons.

Stead, who represented New Zealand in five Test matches in 1999, has signed a two-year contract, which will begin from September. His first assignment will be the away series against Pakistan in UAE in October.

"This is a well-established and high-performing Black Caps side with an excellent captain in Kane Williamson, and a real desire to win series and titles. It's an honour and a privilege to be part of that, and I can't wait to get started," said Stead after his appointment.

A stalwart in New Zealand’s domestic circuit, Stead is no stranger to coaching an international side. Under his tenure, the New Zealand women’s team reached the finals of the Women’s World Cup in 2009.  He also helped Canterbury win three Plunkett Shield titles.

"It's a matter of helping maintain New Zealand's strong form on the international scene, but also respecting what's happened over the past four or five years by continuing to push for improvement," he said about his plans ahead.