Gary Stead replaced Mike Hesson as New Zealand cricket team coach. Hesson resigned from the role in June 2017, a year before his contract was due to expire citing personal reasons. He wanted to give more time to his wife and daughters.

46-year-old Stead, who played 5 Tests for Blackcaps, has coached New Zealand women's team. They reached World Cup 2009 final under him. 

Stead wants to continue the improvement the Kiwis had shown under Hesson. “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,” Gary said who is given a two-year contract.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of that. I can’t wait to get started," he added.

Former batsman Peter Fulton said Stead would build on Hesson’s legacy. “He’ll be very well organized, a lot of detail and a really good thinker about the game,” he told Radio Sport. “New Zealand Cricket has made it pretty obvious they were keen for someone who’s going to come in and not rock the boat too much.”

The New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White is delighted to give responsibility to an experienced man. “He has excellent qualifications, a solid temperament, vast experience, and is open to innovation,” he said.