His career best innings bowling figures of 8 for 44 came during 1972, and included a hat-trick. He finished the year with 98 wickets, and was elected the Professional Cricketers' Association 'Player of the Year'.
Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Stead was a hard working fast-medium left-arm bowler, who made his first-class debut playing for Yorkshire in 1959. In his debut game, he took 7 for 76 against the touring Indians at Bradford.