The New Zealand cricket board announced on Tuesday that Gary Stead will continue to serve as the head coach of the Black Caps for all formats until the culmination of the World Test Championship cycle in 2025.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contemplated the possibility of appointing distinct coaches for Test and limited-overs cricket. However, after careful consideration, it was determined that Stead would be able to effectively manage the responsibilities across all formats.
"With most of our leading Black Caps playing across all three formats, and the culture of the group so strong and positive, we saw clear benefits in supporting the status quo," NZC's high performance chief Bryan Stronach said in a statement announcing Stead's contract extension.
Stead, himself, urged the board in March to consider a separate limited-overs head coach but on Tuesday said such a division was probably not suitable for New Zealand.
"We're not a big country ... Our pool of players is a little bit smaller perhaps than other countries around the world," he told reporters.
"It makes the split coaching model probably not quite as relevant as other countries."
Instead, Stead will receive support from short-term consultant coaches during specific tours, providing specialized skills and expertise tailored to the respective formats and overseas conditions.
Notable recent appointments in this capacity have included Stephen Fleming, Shane Bond, Saqlain Mushtaq and Thilan Samaraweera.
Furthermore, Stead will have the flexibility to decline certain tour commitments, allowing other members of the coaching staff to take on those responsibilities in his absence.
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"I was pretty open with New Zealand Cricket, and sort of explained that the idea of being away for eight or nine months on the road is unsustainable for anyone, players or staff," he said.
"I'm certainly open to new coaches coming in. I don't have to be the head guy, the front guy all the time."
Having assumed the position in 2018, Stead led New Zealand to significant achievements, including reaching the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup and clinching victory in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
With his attention firmly fixed on upcoming endeavors, Stead's immediate priority revolves around preparing the Black Caps for the upcoming 50-over World Cup scheduled in India this October and November. Following that, the team will set its sights on the T20 World Cup, slated to take place in the United States and the West Indies in 2024.
(With agency inputs)
