
Seven-year Stead reign over as Black Caps coach
Gary Stead will stand down as Black Caps coach at the end of June, bringing to an end a highly successful seven-year reign that included the capture of the inaugural World Test Championship title.
The 53-year-old stood down as coach of the country's white-ball teams in April and his desire to spend less time on tour ultimately did not marry with New Zealand Cricket's aspiration to have one coach across all formats.
"There's been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country," he said in a NZC statement on Wednesday.
"It's been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I'd like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the Black Caps are a team that won't fold."
Stead said the World Test Championship triumph in 2021 and New Zealand's 3-0 sweep of India on the subcontinent last year were the highlights of his time in charge.
New Zealand also finished as runners-up on boundary countback at the 2019 50-overs World Cup, runners-up at the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup as well as at the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
The Black Caps topped the Test and ODI rankings and reached the semi-finals at two other white-ball World Cups during his time in charge.
"For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game," Stead added.
Producing consistent performances over such a lengthy period rested in some part on Stead's ability to refresh the squad with young players as generational talents retired or spent lengthy periods on the sidelines with injury.
"There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed," former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said.
"He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke."
NZC have already started the search for the successor and Stead said he would take some time to recharge before seeking out another challenge.
"I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I've learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach," he said.
Gary Stead will stand down as Black Caps coach at the end of June, bringing to an end a highly successful seven-year reign that included the capture of the inaugural World Test Championship title.
The 53-year-old stood down as coach of the country's white-ball teams in April and his desire to spend less time on tour ultimately did not marry with New Zealand Cricket's aspiration to have one coach across all formats.
"There's been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country," he said in a NZC statement on Wednesday.
"It's been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I'd like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the Black Caps are a team that won't fold."
Stead said the World Test Championship triumph in 2021 and New Zealand's 3-0 sweep of India on the subcontinent last year were the highlights of his time in charge.
New Zealand also finished as runners-up on boundary countback at the 2019 50-overs World Cup, runners-up at the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup as well as at the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
The Black Caps topped the Test and ODI rankings and reached the semi-finals at two other white-ball World Cups during his time in charge.
"For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game," Stead added.
Producing consistent performances over such a lengthy period rested in some part on Stead's ability to refresh the squad with young players as generational talents retired or spent lengthy periods on the sidelines with injury.
"There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed," former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said.
"He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke."
NZC have already started the search for the successor and Stead said he would take some time to recharge before seeking out another challenge.
"I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I've learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach," he said.
Gary Stead will stand down as Black Caps coach at the end of June, bringing to an end a highly successful seven-year reign that included the capture of the inaugural World Test Championship title.
The 53-year-old stood down as coach of the country's white-ball teams in April and his desire to spend less time on tour ultimately did not marry with New Zealand Cricket's aspiration to have one coach across all formats.
"There's been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country," he said in a NZC statement on Wednesday.
"It's been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I'd like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the Black Caps are a team that won't fold."
Stead said the World Test Championship triumph in 2021 and New Zealand's 3-0 sweep of India on the subcontinent last year were the highlights of his time in charge.
New Zealand also finished as runners-up on boundary countback at the 2019 50-overs World Cup, runners-up at the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup as well as at the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
The Black Caps topped the Test and ODI rankings and reached the semi-finals at two other white-ball World Cups during his time in charge.
"For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game," Stead added.
Producing consistent performances over such a lengthy period rested in some part on Stead's ability to refresh the squad with young players as generational talents retired or spent lengthy periods on the sidelines with injury.
"There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed," former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said.
"He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke."
NZC have already started the search for the successor and Stead said he would take some time to recharge before seeking out another challenge.
"I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I've learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach," he said.
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Buttler, Dawson give England upper hand against Windies
Former captain Joss Buttler and Liam Dawson have helped England make a winning start to their T20 series against the West Indies with a 21-run win at Durham's Riverside Stadium ground. Buttler scored a superb 96 off 59 balls and Dawson took four wickets on his international return, as the hosts drew first blood on Friday. After making a 3-0 winning start to Harry Brook's captaincy in the one-dayers, England kept the momentum in the shorter format after posting 6-188. West Indies finished on 9-167, with Romario Shepherd caught on the final ball of the match. Buttler, in at No.3 with England 1-16 after Ben Duckett was caught by Windies captain Shai Hope off Shepherd, brought up his half century from 25 balls in the eighth over. He had earlier smashed three sixes and scooped a four from the first four balls of a devastating sixth over with Alzarri Joseph bowling. The 34-year-old, who stepped down as white-ball captain last February following England's group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy, continued to look like a man relieved of a heavy burden as he hit six fours and four sixes. Needing just four for the century, he was out lbw to Joseph in the penultimate over. The tally was Buttler's highest T20 international score on home soil. The Windies were 2-33 off 5.2 overs after losing Johnson Charles for 18, stumped by Buttler off Dawson, and Hope caught by Duckett, who repaid his own dismissal in like-for-like fashion, for three off debutant Matthew Potts. England restricted the visitors to 2-44 at the end of the powerplay, compared to 1-78 at the same stage of the home innings. Evin Lewis hit West Indies top score of 39 off 23 balls, before being caught by Brydon Carse with Jacob Bethell bowling. Dawson, back in the side at 35 and playing his first England match since 2022, claimed his second and third wickets when Duckett caught Sherfane Rutherford (2) and Roston Chase (24) in quick succession. The left-arm spinner wrapped up with a fourth wicket, for 20 runs from his four overs, by bowling Rovman Powell as West Indies slipped to 6-115 on a tough night in the north-east. "I feel really good. Really pleased to contribute to a really good win," said Dawson after winning the player of the match. "When you get 190 on the board, you can go out there and simplify everything. You can bowl defensively and they've got to come to you. Tonight, it worked. "It's been maybe three-and-a-half years since I played. I was nervous going into the game but I'm happy to contribute." Hope said his side had not bowled as well as they had wanted to and needed also to perform better with the bat. "We've got to put this behind us and we've got two games to win the series," he said. The next T20 game in the three-match series is in Bristol on Sunday. Former captain Joss Buttler and Liam Dawson have helped England make a winning start to their T20 series against the West Indies with a 21-run win at Durham's Riverside Stadium ground. Buttler scored a superb 96 off 59 balls and Dawson took four wickets on his international return, as the hosts drew first blood on Friday. After making a 3-0 winning start to Harry Brook's captaincy in the one-dayers, England kept the momentum in the shorter format after posting 6-188. West Indies finished on 9-167, with Romario Shepherd caught on the final ball of the match. Buttler, in at No.3 with England 1-16 after Ben Duckett was caught by Windies captain Shai Hope off Shepherd, brought up his half century from 25 balls in the eighth over. He had earlier smashed three sixes and scooped a four from the first four balls of a devastating sixth over with Alzarri Joseph bowling. The 34-year-old, who stepped down as white-ball captain last February following England's group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy, continued to look like a man relieved of a heavy burden as he hit six fours and four sixes. Needing just four for the century, he was out lbw to Joseph in the penultimate over. The tally was Buttler's highest T20 international score on home soil. The Windies were 2-33 off 5.2 overs after losing Johnson Charles for 18, stumped by Buttler off Dawson, and Hope caught by Duckett, who repaid his own dismissal in like-for-like fashion, for three off debutant Matthew Potts. England restricted the visitors to 2-44 at the end of the powerplay, compared to 1-78 at the same stage of the home innings. Evin Lewis hit West Indies top score of 39 off 23 balls, before being caught by Brydon Carse with Jacob Bethell bowling. Dawson, back in the side at 35 and playing his first England match since 2022, claimed his second and third wickets when Duckett caught Sherfane Rutherford (2) and Roston Chase (24) in quick succession. The left-arm spinner wrapped up with a fourth wicket, for 20 runs from his four overs, by bowling Rovman Powell as West Indies slipped to 6-115 on a tough night in the north-east. "I feel really good. Really pleased to contribute to a really good win," said Dawson after winning the player of the match. "When you get 190 on the board, you can go out there and simplify everything. You can bowl defensively and they've got to come to you. Tonight, it worked. "It's been maybe three-and-a-half years since I played. I was nervous going into the game but I'm happy to contribute." Hope said his side had not bowled as well as they had wanted to and needed also to perform better with the bat. "We've got to put this behind us and we've got two games to win the series," he said. The next T20 game in the three-match series is in Bristol on Sunday. Former captain Joss Buttler and Liam Dawson have helped England make a winning start to their T20 series against the West Indies with a 21-run win at Durham's Riverside Stadium ground. Buttler scored a superb 96 off 59 balls and Dawson took four wickets on his international return, as the hosts drew first blood on Friday. After making a 3-0 winning start to Harry Brook's captaincy in the one-dayers, England kept the momentum in the shorter format after posting 6-188. West Indies finished on 9-167, with Romario Shepherd caught on the final ball of the match. Buttler, in at No.3 with England 1-16 after Ben Duckett was caught by Windies captain Shai Hope off Shepherd, brought up his half century from 25 balls in the eighth over. He had earlier smashed three sixes and scooped a four from the first four balls of a devastating sixth over with Alzarri Joseph bowling. The 34-year-old, who stepped down as white-ball captain last February following England's group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy, continued to look like a man relieved of a heavy burden as he hit six fours and four sixes. Needing just four for the century, he was out lbw to Joseph in the penultimate over. The tally was Buttler's highest T20 international score on home soil. The Windies were 2-33 off 5.2 overs after losing Johnson Charles for 18, stumped by Buttler off Dawson, and Hope caught by Duckett, who repaid his own dismissal in like-for-like fashion, for three off debutant Matthew Potts. England restricted the visitors to 2-44 at the end of the powerplay, compared to 1-78 at the same stage of the home innings. Evin Lewis hit West Indies top score of 39 off 23 balls, before being caught by Brydon Carse with Jacob Bethell bowling. Dawson, back in the side at 35 and playing his first England match since 2022, claimed his second and third wickets when Duckett caught Sherfane Rutherford (2) and Roston Chase (24) in quick succession. The left-arm spinner wrapped up with a fourth wicket, for 20 runs from his four overs, by bowling Rovman Powell as West Indies slipped to 6-115 on a tough night in the north-east. "I feel really good. Really pleased to contribute to a really good win," said Dawson after winning the player of the match. "When you get 190 on the board, you can go out there and simplify everything. You can bowl defensively and they've got to come to you. Tonight, it worked. "It's been maybe three-and-a-half years since I played. I was nervous going into the game but I'm happy to contribute." Hope said his side had not bowled as well as they had wanted to and needed also to perform better with the bat. "We've got to put this behind us and we've got two games to win the series," he said. 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Venezuela step closer to World Cup playoff berth
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Ecuador will clinch their spot with a win at Peru and Brazil could also secure their berth with a win, provided Venezuela don't add points at Uruguay. Colombia will have to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina in Buenos Aires to come close to their spot before the two final rounds in September. Bolivia will have to overcome Chile at home to keep their chances alive. All 10 South American nations play each other home and away. The top six countries qualify directly to the finals next year in North America. The seventh-place South American team, currently Venezeula, will go into the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 in North America where six teams will vie for the remaining two spots in the main tournament. Venezuela are one step closer to a World Cup qualifying berth after beating Bolivia 2-0 to extend their advantage in seventh place in South American World Cup qualifying. Bolivian Héctor Cuellar scored an own goal in the fifth minute on Friday after a simple pass to goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra ended in the back of the net. The hosts added a second in the 30th minute when striker Salomón Rondón, Venezuela's all-time top goal scorer with 47 goals, chested down a cross from Nahuel Ferraresi and scored with his left foot. Bolivia, who now trail Venezuela by four points with only three rounds to play, never threatened goalkeeper Rafael Romo at the Monumental Stadium in the eastern city of Maturin, Venezuela. Also on Friday, Colombia drew 0-0 with Peru 0-0 at home and failed to overtake Brazil in the standings. It was Colombia's fifth consecutive match without a win. The hosts at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla missed suspended striker Luis Díaz, who scored six goals in World Cup qualifying. Jhon Córdoba and Rafael Santos Borré were also out due to injury. World Cup champions Argentina, who secured their 2026 berth in March, lead South American qualifying after 15 matches with 34 points. Ecuador and Paraguay are next with 24 points, but the Ecuadorians have a better goal difference. Brazil are in fourth with 22 points. Uruguay and Colombia, both with 21 points, are fifth and sixth, respectively, separated by goal difference. Venezuela, the only South American team to have never competed in a World Cup, have 18 points. Bolivia, who still have a chance of moving into seventh, have 14. Peru and Chile have 11 and 10 points respectively. Several teams could secure their World Cup spots in Tuesday's next set of matches. Ecuador will clinch their spot with a win at Peru and Brazil could also secure their berth with a win, provided Venezuela don't add points at Uruguay. Colombia will have to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina in Buenos Aires to come close to their spot before the two final rounds in September. Bolivia will have to overcome Chile at home to keep their chances alive. All 10 South American nations play each other home and away. The top six countries qualify directly to the finals next year in North America. The seventh-place South American team, currently Venezeula, will go into the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 in North America where six teams will vie for the remaining two spots in the main tournament. Venezuela are one step closer to a World Cup qualifying berth after beating Bolivia 2-0 to extend their advantage in seventh place in South American World Cup qualifying. Bolivian Héctor Cuellar scored an own goal in the fifth minute on Friday after a simple pass to goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra ended in the back of the net. The hosts added a second in the 30th minute when striker Salomón Rondón, Venezuela's all-time top goal scorer with 47 goals, chested down a cross from Nahuel Ferraresi and scored with his left foot. Bolivia, who now trail Venezuela by four points with only three rounds to play, never threatened goalkeeper Rafael Romo at the Monumental Stadium in the eastern city of Maturin, Venezuela. Also on Friday, Colombia drew 0-0 with Peru 0-0 at home and failed to overtake Brazil in the standings. It was Colombia's fifth consecutive match without a win. The hosts at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla missed suspended striker Luis Díaz, who scored six goals in World Cup qualifying. Jhon Córdoba and Rafael Santos Borré were also out due to injury. World Cup champions Argentina, who secured their 2026 berth in March, lead South American qualifying after 15 matches with 34 points. Ecuador and Paraguay are next with 24 points, but the Ecuadorians have a better goal difference. Brazil are in fourth with 22 points. Uruguay and Colombia, both with 21 points, are fifth and sixth, respectively, separated by goal difference. Venezuela, the only South American team to have never competed in a World Cup, have 18 points. Bolivia, who still have a chance of moving into seventh, have 14. Peru and Chile have 11 and 10 points respectively. Several teams could secure their World Cup spots in Tuesday's next set of matches. Ecuador will clinch their spot with a win at Peru and Brazil could also secure their berth with a win, provided Venezuela don't add points at Uruguay. Colombia will have to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina in Buenos Aires to come close to their spot before the two final rounds in September. Bolivia will have to overcome Chile at home to keep their chances alive. All 10 South American nations play each other home and away. The top six countries qualify directly to the finals next year in North America. The seventh-place South American team, currently Venezeula, will go into the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 in North America where six teams will vie for the remaining two spots in the main tournament.


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Socceroos ready for dark arts duel with Saudis
With the World Cup in touching distance, the Socceroos are ready to tackle whatever obstacles Saudi Arabia throw at them - and respond with some dark arts of their own. After a heroic 1-0 win over Japan put Australia on the brink of direct qualification for next year's finals in North America, Tony Popovic's charges flew to Jeddah on Friday. Australia face familiar foes Saudi Arabia, who beat Bahrain 2-0, on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST) knowing anything other than losing by five goals will seal qualification. The Saudis (13 points, 0 goal difference) have everything to gain - hoping to leapfrog Australia (16 points, +8 goal difference) into the second automatic qualification spot behind Japan. Midfielder Connor Metcalfe is prepared for any curveballs coming the Socceroos' way. "I'm expecting delays at the airport. I'm expecting a really bad pitch to train on. I'm expecting loads of, I don't know, bus delays before the game," he said. "I'm just expecting they're probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what they need to do, and they're just going to make it as difficult as possible." A hostile environment awaits at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but Metcalfe is adamant Australia are ready to play their part in frustrating the parochial crowd. "I think we're gonna have to play a little bit of their game as well," he said. "Whether we waste time and delay the game as much as we can. "Because it's going to be like that. There's going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting. "But it's just block the noise out, focus on ourselves and do the best we can." Above all, Metcalfe says the players have to "stick together". "You can't get affected by any of it, because if you get affected by any of their little games or noise or whatever it is, then it's just going to affect the game, and they're going to get that little advantage over you," he said. A training camp in Abu Dhabi has Australia prepared for the sweltering conditions that await. "We know what we're gonna be up against. We've played them before," Metcalfe said. "We played them in Jeddah before as well, and it's gonna be a tough game in the conditions as well. "It's probably gonna be close to 40 degrees, with 50,000 fans screaming, so it's gonna be difficult, but I think we're all mentally prepared for it. "And of course, we want to beat them on their home turf as well, in front of all their fans." St. Pauli midfielder Metcalfe, 25, is ready to make an impact, after starting against Japan in his first game back since a series of injuries. "It's been a long, long journey, tough ride, but it was amazing being back out there," he said. "Just being involved in a win as well in front of a home crowd was a special feeling. Just love it." With the World Cup in touching distance, the Socceroos are ready to tackle whatever obstacles Saudi Arabia throw at them - and respond with some dark arts of their own. After a heroic 1-0 win over Japan put Australia on the brink of direct qualification for next year's finals in North America, Tony Popovic's charges flew to Jeddah on Friday. Australia face familiar foes Saudi Arabia, who beat Bahrain 2-0, on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST) knowing anything other than losing by five goals will seal qualification. The Saudis (13 points, 0 goal difference) have everything to gain - hoping to leapfrog Australia (16 points, +8 goal difference) into the second automatic qualification spot behind Japan. Midfielder Connor Metcalfe is prepared for any curveballs coming the Socceroos' way. "I'm expecting delays at the airport. I'm expecting a really bad pitch to train on. I'm expecting loads of, I don't know, bus delays before the game," he said. "I'm just expecting they're probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what they need to do, and they're just going to make it as difficult as possible." A hostile environment awaits at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but Metcalfe is adamant Australia are ready to play their part in frustrating the parochial crowd. "I think we're gonna have to play a little bit of their game as well," he said. "Whether we waste time and delay the game as much as we can. "Because it's going to be like that. There's going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting. "But it's just block the noise out, focus on ourselves and do the best we can." Above all, Metcalfe says the players have to "stick together". "You can't get affected by any of it, because if you get affected by any of their little games or noise or whatever it is, then it's just going to affect the game, and they're going to get that little advantage over you," he said. A training camp in Abu Dhabi has Australia prepared for the sweltering conditions that await. "We know what we're gonna be up against. We've played them before," Metcalfe said. "We played them in Jeddah before as well, and it's gonna be a tough game in the conditions as well. "It's probably gonna be close to 40 degrees, with 50,000 fans screaming, so it's gonna be difficult, but I think we're all mentally prepared for it. "And of course, we want to beat them on their home turf as well, in front of all their fans." St. Pauli midfielder Metcalfe, 25, is ready to make an impact, after starting against Japan in his first game back since a series of injuries. "It's been a long, long journey, tough ride, but it was amazing being back out there," he said. "Just being involved in a win as well in front of a home crowd was a special feeling. Just love it." With the World Cup in touching distance, the Socceroos are ready to tackle whatever obstacles Saudi Arabia throw at them - and respond with some dark arts of their own. After a heroic 1-0 win over Japan put Australia on the brink of direct qualification for next year's finals in North America, Tony Popovic's charges flew to Jeddah on Friday. Australia face familiar foes Saudi Arabia, who beat Bahrain 2-0, on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST) knowing anything other than losing by five goals will seal qualification. The Saudis (13 points, 0 goal difference) have everything to gain - hoping to leapfrog Australia (16 points, +8 goal difference) into the second automatic qualification spot behind Japan. Midfielder Connor Metcalfe is prepared for any curveballs coming the Socceroos' way. "I'm expecting delays at the airport. I'm expecting a really bad pitch to train on. I'm expecting loads of, I don't know, bus delays before the game," he said. "I'm just expecting they're probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what they need to do, and they're just going to make it as difficult as possible." A hostile environment awaits at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but Metcalfe is adamant Australia are ready to play their part in frustrating the parochial crowd. "I think we're gonna have to play a little bit of their game as well," he said. "Whether we waste time and delay the game as much as we can. "Because it's going to be like that. There's going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting. "But it's just block the noise out, focus on ourselves and do the best we can." Above all, Metcalfe says the players have to "stick together". "You can't get affected by any of it, because if you get affected by any of their little games or noise or whatever it is, then it's just going to affect the game, and they're going to get that little advantage over you," he said. A training camp in Abu Dhabi has Australia prepared for the sweltering conditions that await. "We know what we're gonna be up against. We've played them before," Metcalfe said. "We played them in Jeddah before as well, and it's gonna be a tough game in the conditions as well. "It's probably gonna be close to 40 degrees, with 50,000 fans screaming, so it's gonna be difficult, but I think we're all mentally prepared for it. "And of course, we want to beat them on their home turf as well, in front of all their fans." St. Pauli midfielder Metcalfe, 25, is ready to make an impact, after starting against Japan in his first game back since a series of injuries. "It's been a long, long journey, tough ride, but it was amazing being back out there," he said. "Just being involved in a win as well in front of a home crowd was a special feeling. Just love it."