Gary Raymond Stead is a former New Zealand cricketer and the current coach of the New Zealand cricket team. Known for his impressive batting skills and strong character, Stead had a brief but successful international career before transitioning into coaching and making significant contributions to the development of cricket in New Zealand.
Born on September 13, 1972, in Christchurch, New Zealand, Stead displayed a natural talent for cricket from a young age. He honed his skills through dedication and hard work, eventually earning a place in the New Zealand national team as a top-order batsman. Stead made his Test debut in 1999 and played five Tests within a span of nine months. Despite his short international career, Stead made a notable impact and showcased his immense potential as a batsman.
Throughout his Test career, Stead maintained an impressive average of 34.75, with the significant distinction of never being dismissed in single figures. He demonstrated immense resilience and determination, particularly in a Test series against South Africa where his grit and ability to grind out runs were on full display. However, after two subpar performances against the West Indies, Stead was unfortunately dropped from the team, marking the end of his international playing career.
Unfazed by the setback, Stead channeled his passion for the game into coaching. He began his coaching journey at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre, working tirelessly to nurture the country’s upcoming talent. In July 2008, Stead was appointed as the coach of the New Zealand women’s cricket team, where he achieved remarkable success.
Under Stead’s guidance, the New Zealand women’s team reached the finals of the 2009 World Cup and the 2010 World T20. Stead’s strategic acumen, meticulous planning, and ability to develop a winning culture were instrumental in the team’s achievements during his tenure. The impact of his coaching abilities was further highlighted when he assumed the responsibility of coaching the Canterbury cricket team.
As coach of Canterbury, Stead led the team to an unprecedented four domestic titles, achieved consecutively between 2013-14 and 2016-17. This remarkable feat further solidified Stead’s reputation as a successful and highly regarded coach in New Zealand cricket.
Recognizing his exceptional coaching skills and achievements, Stead was appointed as the head coach of the New Zealand men’s cricket team in August 2018. Taking over from the highly successful Mike Hesson, Stead has continued to build on the team’s success and uphold New Zealand’s reputation as a competitive force in international cricket.
With his calm demeanor, strong leadership, and ability to foster a cohesive team environment, Stead has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of New Zealand cricket. His commitment to excellence and his unwavering passion for the sport make him a revered figure in New Zealand’s cricketing landscape.
Outside of his coaching responsibilities, Gary Stead is also involved in various social initiatives aimed at promoting cricket and inspiring young players. He remains an influential figure in the cricketing world, and his contributions continue to inspire the next generation of cricketing talents in New Zealand.
