Mike Hesson is to resign as coach of the New Zealand cricket team after six years in the role.

Hesson, 43, led the Black Caps to the cricket World Cup final in 2015 and will leave less than a year before the 2019 tournament in England and Wales.

The former Kenya coach said he was leaving the role due to the rigours of international cricket.

He said: “This job requires 100 percent commitment and is all consuming.

“I know what’s required over the next 12 months, but if I’m honest, I don’t feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves.

“I love the team and have great hopes about what they will be able to achieve. I’ll always be a supporter.”

New Zealand cricket chief executive David White said he was sad to see Hesson leave the role.

“I tried to persuade him to stay on for another 12 months but his mind was made up. We understand his position,” he said.