Cricket: Black Caps' bowling coach to stand down

Dimitri Mascarenhas. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand bowling coach Dimitri Mascarenhas is to step down from the job at the end of this season.

Former England allrounder Mascarenhas was appointed last March, replacing former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond.

Mascarenhas said the decision is based around doing the right thing by his family.

''They're my No 1 priority. I really need to spend more quality time with my family.

''At first I thought I could balance the responsibilities but I no longer think that's feasible," he said.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said he was sorry to be losing Mascarenhas, valuing the ''vibrancy" he brought to the group.

''We understand that family comes first and the demands of the international calender are not always compatible with that," Hesson said.

New Zealand will begin the process of finding a replacement immediately.