Dimitri Mascarenhas to step down as New Zealand bowling coach

Dimitri Mascarenhas is stepping down from his role as New Zealand's bowling coach to return to England.

The former England international, who took over the coaching position less than a year ago, said he wants to spend more time with his family.

He was the Kiwis' third bowling coach in five years, following Shane Bond and Allan Donald, and he will leave after February's series with Australia.

In that time they have developed a bowling stable spearheaded by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, both top-10 Test bowlers, with Boult also the top-ranked ODI bowler.

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"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," Mascarenhas said.

"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."

Head coach Mike Hesson said he was sorry to be losing the former Hampshire all-rounder.

"While obviously disappointed, we understand that family comes first and the demands of the international calendar are not always compatible with that," he said.

"We look forward to having Dimi with us through to the end of the Australian series and wish him well in the future."

New Zealand's second and final Test in the Australia series starts in Christchurch on February 20.