New Zealand’s returning mentor Gary Stead has said that he was “exceptionally amazed” by the analysis that had been aimed at him when everyone went on a pre-arranged leave after the team had been blanked 5-0 in the T20I series against India.
Stead gave over control to bowling coach Shane Jurgensen for the accompanying three-match ODI series and took a five-day break, which started shock in New Zealand. The previous captain Jeremy Coney, specifically, was scathing in his analysis of the mentor and the timing of his leave. Preceding the T20Is against India, New Zealand had been whitewashed 3-0 over the Tasman Sea in the longest format.
“I was really surprised,” Stead said ahead of the first Test against India. “I mean New Zealand Cricket and I have talked about this for a long time, looking after the staff and the players we have. So, we did that and I know New Zealand Cricket are doing what we think is right for our us as people, first and foremost, so we did it. I was very surprised.
“I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion. I guess what Jeremy Coney says about me doesn’t necessarily have relevance to the way we go about things. So, yeah…”
New Zealand cricket had before backed Stead’s pre-arranged holiday, referring to the outstanding task at hand issues. In Stead’s nonattendance, New Zealand secured the ODI series 3-0. In the wake of clearing the ODI series, captain Kane Williamson picked not to add an excessive amount to Stead’s leave and repeated that it was a pre-planned one.
Stead said that he presently felt refreshed after the break and is plotting an upturn in New Zealand’s Test fortunes after their 3-0 drubbing in Australia.
“It was good to spend time with the family,” he said. I know that. Look, I have had four-five days and I’m back to work planning for this Test series now. Again, the distractions don’t need to be there. So, we have to move on and look ahead to the India Test series now. “
