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LONDON, Wednesday (AFP) - New Zealander John Bracewell, currently director of cricket at English county Gloucestershire, has ruled himself out of the running to be Sri Lanka's new coach.

The New Zealander had been short-listed alongside Australian Steve Rixon and former South Africa coach Graham Ford for the post soon to be vacated by Dav Whatmore.

But Bracewell said Tuesday: "I thanked Sri Lanka for their interest but the timing is not right for me.

"I was flattered to be ranked in such company as Steve and Graham, who have strong international reputations. But I feel obligated to continue with the team for at least this season. "I can't wait to get to work in the mornings and I've been delighted with the attitude of the players in pre-season. I'm also excited about working with Jonty Rhodes and learning from that.

"The main issue of all was the family one. I would probably have had to live apart from them while the contract with Sri Lanka was on and I didn't want that."

Sri Lanka last week appointed their former captain Duleep Mendis as interim coach while they look for Whatmore's successor.

The Sri Lankan-born Australian, who helped the island win the World Cup, has been told his contract will not be renewed in June but he remains in charge until then.

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