Wright to quit as Kiwi coach

New Zealand coach John Wright has announced that he will step down in August after rejecting the offer of a contract extension.

The 57-year-old took charge of the Black Caps 17 months ago, replacing former team-mate Mark Greatbatch in the Kiwis hot-seat. He has presided over a decent period in New Zealand cricket as they pulled off their first Test victory in Australia for 26 years back in December to earn a share of the series, while he helped guide his charges to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup. Former Australia coach John Buchanan was appointed as New Zealand's director of cricket 12 months ago and that seems to be the main reason for Wright's decision to step down as the pair have differing views on the direction in which they want to take the team. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White wanted the former Test opener to continue in his role beyond the terms of his current deal, but Wright is adamant that the upcoming trip to the Caribbean will be his last in charge of the team. "I appreciate the offer to extend my contract but after much consideration I feel it's the right time to move on and look at other opportunities," he said in a statement. And the former India coach feels that the time is right for new man to come in and work with Buchanan, whose style differs considerably from his own. "As I explained earlier, the planning systems that John wants to implement are probably suited to another head coach," he added. "I think it's just a difference of style. We see things very differently. I wish him and everyone else success. "I never really envisaged going through to the 2015 Cricket World Cup, so the change has to be made at some stage."