CHRISTCHURCH, July 1: Denis Aberhart has left his job as coach of New Zealand.

“I was not guaranteed a further term with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and another exciting opportunity presented itself and is likely to be confirmed later in the week,” Aberhart said in an NZC Board statement on Tuesday.

Aberhart, who has been coach since 2001, said his new job would be outside cricket.

He leaves with the Kiwis at number three in the ICC Test standings following a drawn series in Australia, victory in the West Indies and a win over India.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden is likely to announce Aberhart’s replacement next week.

Two candidates withdrew their interest a week ago — former South Africa coach Graham Ford and Australian Steve Rixon, the ex-New Zealand coach now with New South Wales.

According to media reports, the favourite for the job is former New Zealand off-spinner John Bracewell, coach of Gloucestershire.—Reuters