<p>New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has defended the under-fire national team's head coach Gary Stead, who is drawing flak for taking a break in the middle of the ongoing home series against India, saying his "week off was planned six months ago".</p>.<p>Stead is under criticism for taking a holiday at a time when the Black Caps are enduring a form slump. Following a 0-3 Test series hiding in Australia, New Zealand were whitewashed 0-5 by India in the Twenty20 series on home soil.</p>.<p>They are currently engaged in a three-match ODI series against the visitors.</p>.<p>But NZC chief executive David White has supported Stead, stating that the coach's mid-season break during the ongoing three-match ODI series was pre-planned.</p>.<p>"Of any sport in New Zealand, cricket has the most demands for time," White told reporters.</p>.<p>"These guys are away from home for a long time and we must manage their workload."</p>.<p>Critics have come hard on Stead for his break with cricket legend Jeremy Coney all but accusing him of deserting the team in its hour of need.</p>.<p>"This is probably the most important season we've had for 10 years, with no Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and West Indies to feast on," Coney told Radio Sport Breakfast.</p>.<p>"We're facing the three big boys (Australia, India, England) - they were marmalised in Australia and it's now five-zip at home. Wouldn't you think the main coach and selector would be there.</p>.<p>"Can you see Steve Hansen leaving the All Blacks after they are one-nil down against the Lions, and taking a week off before the second test? This is the job and this is the main part of the season. It's ridiculous this is happening at this crunch time," he added.</p>.<p>Cooney stopped short of suggesting that if Stead was missing his family, he should be replaced before the T20 World Cup later this year.</p>.<p>"You don't take your captain away from the helm when you are wanted most, when the ship is in deep shtook, amongst the rocks," he said.</p>.<p>"Would you call it desertion or would you just say it's really bad look fellas? If I was (chief executive) David White I would say to myself, no I'm sorry Gary, you can wait a week.</p>.<p>"If you are really finding it tough and have to be away from the family, let's have a chat and find another coach for the T20 format." </p>
<p>New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has defended the under-fire national team's head coach Gary Stead, who is drawing flak for taking a break in the middle of the ongoing home series against India, saying his "week off was planned six months ago".</p>.<p>Stead is under criticism for taking a holiday at a time when the Black Caps are enduring a form slump. Following a 0-3 Test series hiding in Australia, New Zealand were whitewashed 0-5 by India in the Twenty20 series on home soil.</p>.<p>They are currently engaged in a three-match ODI series against the visitors.</p>.<p>But NZC chief executive David White has supported Stead, stating that the coach's mid-season break during the ongoing three-match ODI series was pre-planned.</p>.<p>"Of any sport in New Zealand, cricket has the most demands for time," White told reporters.</p>.<p>"These guys are away from home for a long time and we must manage their workload."</p>.<p>Critics have come hard on Stead for his break with cricket legend Jeremy Coney all but accusing him of deserting the team in its hour of need.</p>.<p>"This is probably the most important season we've had for 10 years, with no Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and West Indies to feast on," Coney told Radio Sport Breakfast.</p>.<p>"We're facing the three big boys (Australia, India, England) - they were marmalised in Australia and it's now five-zip at home. Wouldn't you think the main coach and selector would be there.</p>.<p>"Can you see Steve Hansen leaving the All Blacks after they are one-nil down against the Lions, and taking a week off before the second test? This is the job and this is the main part of the season. It's ridiculous this is happening at this crunch time," he added.</p>.<p>Cooney stopped short of suggesting that if Stead was missing his family, he should be replaced before the T20 World Cup later this year.</p>.<p>"You don't take your captain away from the helm when you are wanted most, when the ship is in deep shtook, amongst the rocks," he said.</p>.<p>"Would you call it desertion or would you just say it's really bad look fellas? If I was (chief executive) David White I would say to myself, no I'm sorry Gary, you can wait a week.</p>.<p>"If you are really finding it tough and have to be away from the family, let's have a chat and find another coach for the T20 format." </p>