(Getty Images)
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed uncertainty about his future with the Black Caps after their premature exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Stead acknowledged that his fate with New Zealand Cricket is now beyond his control, given the team’s underwhelming performances in the tournament.
The Black Caps commenced their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a defeat against Afghanistan, followed by another loss to the West Indies in their second match. Currently occupying the bottom position in Group C, New Zealand has failed to secure any victories, with a net run rate (NRR) of -2.425.
New Zealand’s elimination from the World Cup was confirmed after Afghanistan defeated Papua New Guinea (PNG) by seven wickets in Trinidad on Friday, June 14. Both the West Indies and Afghanistan progressed to the Super 8s from Group C, maintaining unbeaten records with three wins each.
Gary Stead says We Tried To Put In Place Has Been As Good As Possible
When questioned about his continuation as head coach, Gary Stead remarked that the decision lies in the hands of others. He remained optimistic about the team’s preparations, affirming that they had diligently strived to implement the best possible training regimen.
“That’s a question you should be asking other people. I can look at myself in the mirror and know that the preparation we tried to put in place has been as good as (possible),” Stead told Radio New Zealand ahead of Afghanistan’s win over Papua New Guinea.
Gary Stead has served as the head coach of the Black Caps since 2018, with just one year left on his contract. During his tenure, the New Zealand cricket team reached the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup and reached the semi-finals in both the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Gary Stead said We Put The Effort In That We’re Proud Of
Gary Stead stressed the significance of national pride and giving their utmost effort despite the Black Caps’ elimination from the ongoing World Cup. The 52-year-old coach recognized the unwavering support of their fans, who remain steadfast in their backing of the team.
“Whilst it may seem that we’re out of it there is still that pride of playing for your country and making sure that we put the effort in that we’re proud of as well,” Stead further stated.
“You can’t control everything in a cricket game but the things we can control are about the style we’re trying to play. We have a number of fans that are still rooting for the Black Caps and the way that they play their cricket.”
New Zealand has two remaining group stage matches in the T20 World Cup, facing off against Uganda and Papua New Guinea. Led by Kane Williamson, the team’s next match will be against Uganda at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on June 14, followed by their final group stage encounter against Papua New Guinea at the same venue on June 17.
