Stead hits sceptics for six
Coach Gary Stead could rightly feel aggrieved at suggestions the Black Caps are home track bullies as he reflects on the ‘‘special’’ achievement of becoming the world’s top-ranked test side.
Not that Stead seemed at all fussed about some of the chatter from around the world noting that New Zealand have not won away against ‘The Big Three’ (Australia, India and England) in their ascent to the No 1 spot for the first time.
The truth is the Black Caps have only had three away series in total since November, 2018, when he took over as coach, a 2-1 win against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, a 1-1 draw in Sri Lanka, and a 3-0 whitewash by Australia last summer.
Aside from the latter that’s a respectable return, and it’s worth noting Australia, the team they replaced in No 1 spot, lost their last two series against Pakistan in the UAE, and their last series in Sri Lanka.
In the same period, New Zealand have won six consecutive home series, and Stead has overseen an overall test record of 13 wins, five losses and two draws in his tenure.
‘‘It’s the same [ranking] method they use for everyone,’’ Stead noted.
‘‘Every place you go, it’s very hard to win away from home. That’s something we’ve talked about as a team is ensuring that all test wins are special but especially ones you win away from home.
‘‘We weren’t at our best last year versus Australia but I can remember a few other test wins that we have done really well, in UAE and Sri Lanka, and they are just as special as the home ones as well.’’
He said the No 1 ranking was a ‘‘pretty special thing’’, and one