Andhra Cricket Signs Ex-New Zealand Coach Gary Stead for Upcoming Season

The Andhra team has pulled off a big surprise. For the upcoming domestic season, the state association has managed to bring in a World Test Championship-winning coach. Gary Stead, who guided New Zealand to the title, has been appointed by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA).

“We were initially looking at an Australian coach. Then a friend suggested, why not try Gary? So we reached out to him and right from the very first conversation, we were struck by his preparedness. He came to the meeting with a complete understanding of our team," ACA secretary Sana Sathish Babu said.

Gary Stead enjoyed a highly successful seven-year run with the Black Caps before stepping down from his role with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in June this year. During his time, New Zealand climbed to No. 1 in both the ICC Test and ODI rankings won the World Test Championship in 2021 and reached the 2019 World Cup final. Under his guidance, the Kiwis also beat India in two big games in England, the 2019 World Cup semifinal and the WTC final.

Gary Stead Set to Join Andhra as Head Coach

Gary Stead is expected to arrive in Visakhapatnam within a week to begin his new role with the Andhra team. While the deal is officially for one year, it is understood he has agreed to stay for at least two seasons. He also wants to review the list of probables and will work closely with the state selectors.

As part of the agreement, Stead requested time to return home to New Zealand during Christmas, which the Andhra Cricket Association accepted. His work visa has already been cleared and he is likely to take charge between September 20 and 25.

Andhra had a mixed run last season finishing sixth in the Ranji Elite Group B and failing to progress in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. They did well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy topping their group ahead of Mumbai, but lost in the pre-quarterfinals. This year, the team will be led by Ricky Bhui with senior spinner Saurabh Kumar joining as a professional signing. The side has also lost experienced campaigner Hanuma Vihari decided to move on.

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