Moles resigns as New Zealand coach

Andy Moles

London, Oct 24 : Andy Moles has resigned as New Zealand cricket coach barely two weeks after he guided them to the final of the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Moles' resignation came after more than 12 hours of arbitration meetings with New Zealand officials after it became clear he has irreconcilable differences with some senior players, The Telegraph reported Saturday. 

The former Warwickshire batsman, who succeeded John Bracewell eleven months ago, will leave with immediate effect even though his contract was due to expire after the 2011 World Cup. 

The Englishman previously coached Free State in South Africa, Kenya and Scotland and guided Northern Districts to the State Championship, New Zealand's equivalent of the County Championship, in his first season in charge two years ago. 

New Zealand did not win any of their eight Tests under Moles and also suffered an early exit from the World Twenty20 in June. They were the surprise package in the Champions Trophy where they reached the final, despite losing key senior players to injury, before they were beaten by Australia. 

But rumours of differences of opinion between Moles and senior players surfaced on the side's return to New Zealand resulting in the coach's departure. (IANS)