Tuesday, August 29 2006 11:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Melbourne: Australian cricket coach John Buchanan will not seek his re-appointment after expiry of his contract next year, Cricket Australia says Monday (28 Aug, 2006).

Buchanan, who has been in charge of the Australian team since 1999-00, says helping the players get as a successful unit has been a satisfying experience for him and now he will give priority to his family.

"To see players come into the side and fulfill their talent has made this role a truly satisfying one. I have had a thoroughly enjoyable time in the position and feel I have made a contribution to the overall success Australia has achieved on the world cricketing stage over the past seven years."

"All cricketers make sacrifices to cricket over their family. I will have the opportunity after the 2007 World Cup to devote more time to my family," Buchanan says.

He says the next coach will carry forward the good work done for the team.

"There's a shelf life in coaching and I believe that following the World Cup it will be the appropriate time to hand over the reins to someone new. There's a good foundation of systems and processes for the next coach to shape the future of the Australian cricket team."

"My absolute focus at the moment, however, is the upcoming summer of cricket. I am extremely excited about the challenges we face with the ICC Champions Trophy, the 3 mobile Ashes and One-day international series and the 2007 World Cup," he says.