New Zealand coach and Gary Stead spoke about his relationship with the team skipper Kane Williamson after the team got together for a winter training at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Earlier, Williamson had described his relationship with Gary as “very good” and both of them are gung-ho about the team’s success all the time. Gary went on to say that his relationship with the skipper is “really strong” and together they can achieve greater heights.
“Gary and I have a very good relationship. We are always honest with each other and keen to challenge each other with our views on the game. Ultimately we both share the vision of where we want the team to go – how we get there is a constant discussion as in any organisation – and we are happy to have those honest discussions together.” Williamson said after the nets session.
After the speculations in May, some of them began in local cricket circles that Stead wanted Tom Latham as the regular Test captain in place of Williamson after Latham led New Zealand in one test- a 279-run loss in a 3-0 series sweep – in Australia earlier this year. “Kane and I have a really strong relationship, and we spoke about it. There was no foundation in truth and the disappointing part is it’s coming from somewhere and someone, but it’s neither Kane and nor me.
“I really enjoy working with Kane. The discussions we have are healthy and at all times focused on whatever is best for the team, which is something I know we are truly aligned on” Gary further said.
Gary took over as the head coach of New Zealand from Mike Hesson in 2018 and under his supervision, New Zealand played as many as 16 Test matches. They have won nine tests and lost five matches while the other two ended on a draw. New Zealand also finished as the runner-up in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
