New Zealand bowling coach Dimitri Mascarenhas to step down

Dimitri Mascarenhas will step down as New Zealand bowling coach at the conclusion of next month’s series against Australia to spend more time with his family, the team said on Friday. The former England all-rounder had been in the role for under a year, initially on an interim basis as Shane Bond’s replacement, before taking it on full-time. The constant travel away from his young family had been the main reason behind his decision to give up the post, the former Otago coach said.

“At first, I thought I could balance the responsibilities but I no longer think that’s feasible. I need to be closer to my family. I had an amazing time with the team. It’s probably been the best time I’ve had in cricket, either as a player or as a coach,” the 38-year-old said in a New Zealand Cricket statement.

Mascarenhas took over as bowling coach in March 2015 after Bond vacated his position to take up a similar role with Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians. His responsibilities also included involvement in New Zealand Cricket’s coach education initiative and the high-performance centre’s winter and A squad training programs.

Black Caps head coach Mike Hesson reckoned Mascarenhas will be missed. He said, “Dimi has brought a vibrancy to the group and is well liked by everyone. We’re sorry to be losing him. We all appreciate the hard work that he has put in over the past year and the knowledge he’s passed on to the bowling unit.”

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will begin the process to replace him immediately. Australia skipper Steve Smith’s side depart for their short tour of New Zealand on Saturday, for an itinerary that begins with the first of three ODIs next Wednesday. The sides also play two Tests starting in Wellington from 12th February and the second in Christchurch from 20th February. New Zealand’s next international commitment after that series will be the World Twenty20 tournament in India in March.