Former Team India coach John Wright has turned down the offer to take up the head coach's job at Cricket Australia's (CA) Centre of Excellence.

Wright said he was keen to take up the Australian offer but eventually withdrew because he wanted to spend time with his kids.

"It didn't quite work out. I haven't been back in New Zealand long, and I was away for 4-1/2 years. I've got teenage kids (aged 15 and 13). It's just not the right time," he was quoted as saying by New Zealand Press Association.

The affable Kiwi admitted he was impressed by the academy.

"It's an enormously impressive facility. I've always been a great admirer of Australian cricket and the way they do things. They're a great example for anyone else that plays the game," he said.

Wright had a successful stint with Team India from 2000 to 2005 and his visit to the Brisbane academy last month fueled speculation that the former Kiwi captain would succeed Tim Nielson, the current Australia coach, at the Centre.

Wright, who describes himself as "between jobs", did not rule out a role with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in future.

"Who knows? I wouldn't rule anything out," he said.

Current Kiwi coach John Bracewell's contract is being reviewed and NZC is also toying with the idea of having separate coaches for the Test and one-day sides.