New Zealand Cricket has appointed former Test batsman Gary Stead as the new Black Caps coach by replacing predecessor Mike Hesson.

The 46 years old Stead, was a journeyman opening bat, playing just five Tests in 1999 before being dropped.

But he has excelled as a coach, guiding Canterbury to domestic titles in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

He also took the national women's team, the White Ferns, to the 209 World Cup final.