Gary Stead

Infobox Historic Cricketer


nationality = New Zealand
country = New Zealand
country abbrev = NZ
name = Gary Stead
picture = Cricket_no_pic.pngbatting style = Right-hand bat
bowling style = Legbreak
tests = 5
test runs = 278
test bat avg = 34.75
test 100s/50s = 0/2
test top score = 78
test balls = 6
test wickets = -
test bowl avg = -
test 5s = -
test 10s = -
test best bowling = -
test catches/stumpings = 2/-
FCs = 96
FC runs = 4780
FC bat avg = 32.51
FC 100s/50s = 10/22
FC top score = 190
FC balls = 1050
FC wickets = 8
FC bowl avg = 73.37
FC 5s = 0
FC 10s = 0
FC best bowling = 4/58
FC catches/stumpings = 46/-
debut date = 11 March
debut year = 1999
last date = 26 December
last year = 1999
source = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/38403.html Cricinfo

Gary Raymond Stead (born January 9, 1972, Christchurch, Canterbury) is a New Zealand cricketer who played in 5 Tests in 1999.

An top-order batsman, Stead played five Tests in nine months in 1999, averaging 34.75 and never being dismissed in single figures. Against South Africa he showed his great character, digging in and grinding out runs, but after two mediocre performances against West Indies he was dropped. His call-up had come after eight years of first-class cricket with Canterbury, and he led them for five seasons from 1998-99 in a period in which they struggled.

Stead's selection as a New Zealand test cricketer was enthusiastically welcomed by his supporters club, the Gary Stead Fan Club (GSFC). The club boasts a small number of formal members throughout New Zealand and abroad. Speaking during Stead's second test, against South Africa at the Basin Reserve in March 1999, Club President Reuben Levermore said "We support Gary because he embodies everything that the New Zealand team has been lacking during much of the 1990s. He shows that grit and determination the team really needs".