3 minute read

New Zealand Cricket has defended Gary Stead's week off as Black Caps coach, the timing of which has been slammed by former skipper Jeremy Coney.

Former captain Jeremy Coney has roasted the decision to give Black Caps coach Gary Stead a week off while the team is in crisis but the move has been defended by New Zealand Cricket management.

Coney echoed a torrent of criticism on social media after it was revealed on Tuesday that Stead would hand over the head coaching reigns to assistant Shane Jurgensen for the three-match ODI home series against India.

The revelation came just a day before the series began and with the team in desperation mode.

Following the 3-0 Test whitewash from Australia, during which Stead was criticised for his leadership and decision-making, New Zealand were crushed 5-0 by Indians in the T20 series.

Coney said Stead's absence came at the worst possible time as the team were missing on-field leadership through injuries to captain Kane Williamson and key pace bowlers, including Trent Boult.

"Can you see Steve Hansen leaving the All Blacks after they are one-nil down against the Lions, and taking a week off before the second Test?" Coney told Radio Sport.

"This is the job and this is the main part of the season. It's ridiculous this is happening at this crunch time.

"You don't take your captain away from the helm when you are wanted most, when the ship is in deep shtook, amongst the rocks."

Coney said New Zealand needed all hands on deck in what is their toughest summer on record, having little respite between series against England, Australia and India.

With two Tests against India to be followed by ODI and T20 series against Australia, he said the wheels are threatening to detach from a team who some felt were equipped to challenge the game's superpowers.

"They were marmalised in Australia and it's now five-zip at home. Wouldn't you think the main coach and selector would be there?" Coney said.

NZC boss David White told reporters Stead had been reluctant to take the break but that senior management had decided sixth months ago it was important that he do so.

White noted that Stead's predecessor Mike Hesson quit the post 18 months ago because of workload issues and they didn't want a repeat.

"We want to make this role sustainable going forward ... of any sport in New Zealand, cricket has the most demands for time."