New Zealand coach Gary Stead on Monday said he was surprised the way people bashed at him for taking a scheduled and pre-planned break after the 0-5 T20 series defeat his side received from India earlier this month. Stead returns to the work for the upcoming Test series starting February 21. While speaking to the media here, he was expected to have asked about the break, the timing of which was questioned by former captain Jeremy Coney some days ago.

However, New Zealand bounced back strongly and whitewashed India in the three-match One Day International series by 3-0. Bowling coach Shane Jurgensen was in charge of the team during that time as Stead took a five-day break from his work.

“I was really surprised. I mean New Zealand Cricket and I have talked about this for a long time, looking after the staff and the players we have,” Stead was quoted as saying by ‘ESPNCricinfo’.

“So, we did that and I know New Zealand Cricket are doing what we think is right for our us as people, first and foremost, so we did it. I was very surprised. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion. I guess what Jeremy Coney says about me doesn’t necessarily have relevance to the way we go about things. So, yeah,” he again added.

Read here: Anushka Sharma Sends Emotional Message For Virat Kohli

Although New Zealand cricket had backed his break, saying workload management as well as it was pre-planned by the coach who applied for it much before.

“It was good to spend time with the family,” New Zealand Coach Gary Stead shared.

“Look, I have had four-five days and I’m back to work planning for this Test series now. Again, the distractions don’t need to be there. So, we have to move on and look ahead to the India Test series now,” the oach concluded.