Stead to step down as New Zealand head coach
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead will step down from the role when his contract expires at the end of the month.The 53-year-old had already said he would quit as coach of the Black Caps' one-day international and T20 sides, but had remained interested in coaching the Test team.However, New Zealand Cricket decided they want one head coach across all three formats, which effectively ruled Stead out of the Test job.Stead, a former top-order batter who played five Tests for the Kiwis, succeeded Mike Hesson in August 2018 and oversaw a period of success.The highlight was guiding New Zealand to the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 where they defeated India in the final.He was also in charge of the white-ball teams which reached the finals of the 2019 50-over World Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in 2024.Stead said he still has the "coaching bug" and will "look to explore opportunities at home and abroad"."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, each other and for the fans," he said."For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game."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 and will always show the grit and determination to compete."Stead took charge of 268 matches across all formats with 147 victories, 100 defeats, six draws, six ties and nine matches with no result.Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said Stead "gave absolutely everything" to the Kiwi cause."There was no one more hard working and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed," added Williamson."He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke."
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