Canterbury cricket captain Gary Stead has arrived home from a successful sortie in the Netherlands and says he's ready to start the New Zealand domestic season right now.

His Red and White side in the Netherlands achieved its goal of promotion back into the premier division of the Dutch league after winning all 18 games it played during the northern summer.

Stead downplayed his own form, although he finished with 1150 runs at an average of 115.0.

"There were a few not outs in there," he quipped.

"I was happy with my concentration while batting. It was good to make the premier division as the side was relegated two years ago and it was important to get up again in the first season," he said.

But now he's back he's looking forward to another season with Canterbury, a side which has kept a good nucleus of its team together.

"Stephen Fleming and Craig Cumming are big losses in their own ways but we have the nucleus of a good side," he said.

News that a double round of Shell Trophy play had been instituted this year was welcomed by Stead who said it would be a real bonus for all teams.

"It will be a lot tougher though. It seems to be very condensed from the end of November until the start of March. That's 50-odd playing days in that time which is tough physically and mentally.

"As a batsman it is good because it is at least another seven or eight innings which is extra batting time to look forward to.

"And from a team perspective it gives you more time to gel," he said.

As for his own batting position the former New Zealand Test opener said he hadn't discussed that with Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald yet.

But he was keen to bat in the Trophy games at the top of the order and probably in the middle-order in the Shell Cup.

Stead added that the return of the 'A' competition was also good news.

"It is a natural progression from club cricket through to first-class play. It is more of a development area for players from 19-23.

"If I look back that is where I learnt a lot of my cricket. Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Michael Owens were team-mates of mine and all went through the 'A' team series.

"I think it is fantastic that New Zealand Cricket has brought the competition back. It is crucial for the development of first-class players," he said.

Stead said it was already apparent at the three Canterbury practices he has been able to attend that there was some genuine intensity in the preparation and the competition was on for places in the side.

"That's especially the case with the opening bowlers now that Shane Bond is back. There is a really good feeling in the team and the guys are looking forward to it," he said.

Gary Stead's career statistics:

                    Mat    I  NO  Runs   HS     Ave 100  50
First-class          44   71   5  2104  130   31.87   4   8
One-day              54   49   7  1353  100   32.21   1   7