‘Got my full support and confidence’ - New Zealand Cricket CEO backs Gary Stead despite turmoil

Following a 2-0 series loss against Sri Lanka, New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee resigned. The Black Caps had a forgettable outing in the T20 World Cup 2024, and soon after that, Kane Williamson announced his resignation as white-ball captain. Several New Zealand players have recently turned down central contracts, which has impacted the team heavily in both red and white-ball cricket.

In the meantime, New Zealand Cricket’s CEO Scott Weenick has backed head coach Gary Stead and expects him to turn things around. He extended his support and reminded the team that Stead’s contract will be over by the middle of next year and that the governing body will back him for the Champions Trophy and ongoing World Test Championship.

Also Read - Tim Southee steps down as New Zealand Test captain, Tom Latham takes over

“Gary’s contract is up [until the] middle of next year. That coincides with the Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship. He’s absolutely got my full support and confidence. You’re always going to go through periods, we’ve gone through 10 years of unprecedented success,” Weenick was quoted as saying by NZ Herald.

“As a lot of these once-in-a-generation players come to the end of their time, there’s always going to be a change in results and potentially a drop in results. But we’re really comfortable with the depth that’s coming through. We’re comfortable that we’ve got enough of the existing players carrying on playing and bringing through the next generation,” he added.

We’re a tight group: Tim Southee

Southee, who handed the Test baton to Tom Latham on Wednesday, stated that despite the series of defeats, New Zealand players are on the same page. He believes it’s an exciting time and hopes to turn things around in the upcoming three-match Test series against India and then against England at home.

“We’re a tight group, we spend a lot of time together. It’s an exciting time. We’re three tests in, and two disappointing results against Sri Lanka but there’s still six test matches in front of us. The guys will regroup, and move forward in about eight or nine days’ time,” the 35-year-old said.