Dimitri Mascarenhas to quit as New Zealand bowling coach in February

Wellington: New Zealand's bowling coach Dimitri Mascarenhas on Friday announced his decision to step down down from his position after the home series against Australia in February.

The former England international was appointed to the position in March last year.

His decision to quit means the Kiwis will now lose their second bowling coach in as many years.

Mascarenhas, who replaced Shane Bond in the role said he will leave at the end of the season to spend more time with his family.

"It has been really tough being on the road for a long time," he said. "We thought we could get by, but it is a little bit tough and I thought I would make the right decision by my family. Any support staff struggle with the current international schedule. It is 12 months of the year now - there is no season or time off. That does take its toll,” Mascarenhas was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

"I have a great relationship with all of the squad, the players and the support staff so the decision is purely based on family. It is time for me to go home and spend some more time with them," the former pacer further added.

Head coach Mike Hesson said he was sorry to be losing Mascarenhas but "we understand that family comes first and the demands of the international calendar are not always compatible with that."

The Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum too will be retiring from international cricket during that series against the Aussies.

New Zealand Cricket said it will immediately begin the search for a replacement.

(With Agency inputs)