WELLINGTON, May 10: New Zealand’s cricket coach John Bracewell will step down when his contract expires in April next year, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Friday.

“John has informed me that he will not be looking to extend his contract for another term and will instead pursue other coaching opportunities in cricket,” NZC’s Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said.

Bracewell, a former off-spinner who took 102 wickets in 41 Tests for New Zealand, has previously said he is interested in returning to coaching English county cricket.

The 50-year-old, currently in England with the touring New Zealand team, coached Gloucestershire for five years before taking up the top New Zealand post in 2003.

The NZC would start looking internationally for a replacement.

Although Vaughan did not refer to any candidates, former New Zealand captain and Indian coach John Wright is a strong contender. Wright is currently New Zealand’s high performance coach.—AFP