New Zealand Cricket officials picked Rob Walter as their new men's head coach after Gary Stead left the job. Walter will start working mid-June and his first trip takes the team to Zimbabwe during July. His contract lasts until the ICC Men's T20 World Cup ends across New Zealand and Australia late during 2028. Walter previously ran South Africa's white-ball teams until April when he stepped down after their ICC Champions Trophy run. The Proteas reached their first ICC Men's T20 World Cup final under Walter during 2024 but lost to India after winning eight straight games.
Walter also led South Africa's 50-over squad to the semi-finals at the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup held across India. He said working with the Black Caps feels like a real honor since they have earned respect around the world for many years. Walter expressed excitement about coaching such skilled players and staff during a time when major global tournaments and important bilateral series will happen. He described the chance as both exciting and challenging with enormous potential for everyone involved.
New Zealand Cricket announced Stead's departure on Thursday and decided against offering him a Test-only position. Officials chose to hire one head coach for all three cricket formats instead of splitting duties. Stead coached for seven productive years and guided the team to an ICC World Test Championship win during 2021 when they topped Test Rankings. His squad also completed a historic 3-0 Test series victory against India on their home ground last year.
Walter also led South Africa's 50-over squad to the semi-finals at the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup held across India. He said working with the Black Caps feels like a real honor since they have earned respect around the world for many years. Walter expressed excitement about coaching such skilled players and staff during a time when major global tournaments and important bilateral series will happen. He described the chance as both exciting and challenging with enormous potential for everyone involved.
New Zealand Cricket announced Stead's departure on Thursday and decided against offering him a Test-only position. Officials chose to hire one head coach for all three cricket formats instead of splitting duties. Stead coached for seven productive years and guided the team to an ICC World Test Championship win during 2021 when they topped Test Rankings. His squad also completed a historic 3-0 Test series victory against India on their home ground last year.
