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Outgoing New Zealand cricket coach Steve Rixon says the timing may not be right for him to chase the vacant Australian job.

The Sydneysider returned to a hero's welcome at Christchurch Airport yesterday, having guided the Black Caps to a World Cup semi-final and a 2-1 test series win over England on a tough, four-month tour.

Rixon has been touted as a contender for the Australian post, which became vacant this week with the surprise decision of Geoff Marsh to step down after Australia's current tour of Sri Lanka.

``All I know now is that I need a breather. You're looking at one tired cricket coach,'' Rixon said yesterday.

He said it was unlikely, even if he was sought by Australia, that he would be mentally refreshed enough to guide the side next month when it heads to Zimbabwe.

``Now is probably not the right time, but a year or so down the track might be different.''

Rixon said he wants to spend more time with his family and sports leisurewear business.

He has been tipped by the Australian news media as a contender. The favourite is Queensland's John Buchanan, while former captains Allan Border and Greg Chappell are other possibilities.

Rixon said he leaves the Black Caps in a better position than when he was appointed in 1996-97.

``It has been a roller-coaster ride for sure and I'm glad to get off at the top. But I think the upwards momentum has been building for some time now and I'm delighted for what the lads have achieved.''

Rixon warned it will be tough for the players to come back recharged for an arduous Indian tour after just three weeks off.

``But the fast bowlers were not overworked in England. We tried to ensure they were carefully managed.''

Captain Stephen Fleming attributed the test series win to hard work, planning, and tenacity.

``You saw guys throughout the series, different people at different times, performing,'' he said.

``All the way through, people -- the English media, in particular -said we didn't have a team of stars so we knew if we became a star team we'd have a better chance, and that's the way it worked out.''