Former South Africa head coach Rob Walter has replaced Gary Stead as New Zealand's new head coach ahead of the side's tour to Zimbabwe. Walter, who coached the Proteas from January, 2023 until April this year, guided the side to the 2024 T20 Woreld Cup final where they ended up losing to India and also to the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Stead, who took up the role of New Zealand's head coach back in 2018, is arguably their most successful coach in history. Under him, the Black Caps made it to the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy but ended up losing them all.
However, Stead did manage to guide New Zealand to only their second ICC trophy as back in 2021, they defeated India in the final of the World Test Championship. The 53-year-old had announced earlier in March that he would step down from the role of head coach once his contract expires, but did intend to continue coaching the side in the longest format.
Stead only wanted to coach the side in the Test format
However, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) wanted a coach who could guide the team in all the three formats and thus, Stead was ruled out of the job.
After getting appointed as the Black Caps' new head coach, Walter stated that it will be a big opportunity for him to work with such a great group of players and support staff.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series, will be contested. I just can’t wait to get started. It’s exciting, it’s challenging and the opportunity is enormous," Walter said.
The 49-year-old Walter will be taking charge ahead of New Zealand's tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa which is set to commence from July 16. The side will also be playing in a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe after the tri-series concludes.