Stay away Gary: Coney to coach Stead

Coney took aim at Stead on Wednesday over his decision to take a planned break during the middle of the international cricket season, after overseeing eight-straight test and Twenty20 defeats. With bowling coach Shane Jurgensen at the helm, the Black Caps finally returned to the winner’s circle as Ross Taylor led a successful chase of 348 in the first ODI. After congratulating New Zealand on the result during the commentary on Radio Sport, Coney offered Stead a harsh piece of advice.

“Well done New Zealand,” Coney said after the four-wicket win. “I suppose I should apologise to Gary Stead. Look, you’re in the good place mate, you just stay away, you stay away because this is a winning side.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Coney slammed Stead for leaving his side in the lurch as they struggled for form.

“Could you see Steve Hansen leaving the All Blacks after they’re one down against the Lions,” he told Radio Sport.

However, New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White defended the decision, which was made six months ago as they sought to manage Stead’s workload.

“Player and support staff workload is a big issue in international cricket,” White said.

“We lost our last coach, Mike Hesson, to workload issues, so we want to make the role sustainable going forward. “That is why Gary is having a week off this week.”

The Black Caps have a chance to wrap up the three-match series with a game to spare in Auckland on Saturday ahead of the third match in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.