Victorian cricket coach John Scholes resigned today, just six days before the state team starts its season with a one-dayer in Sydney against New South Wales.

The former state batsman, who had coached the Bushrangers for five years, cited personal reasons for the shock decision.

The Victorian Cricket Association faced a long board meeting tonight as it tried to work out how to replace Scholes so quickly.

"The timing's not perfect, although I think the environment and culture that exists will be able to cope with that," Scholes told Channel Seven.

Scholes had just signed a new contract to coach the team for the summer, but it is understood he had been under increasing pressure away from cricket for more than a month.

"I just felt to go into the season personally, not being 100 per cent - I've just been struggling a little bit and been a bit flat - I didn't think that was fair to Victorian cricket."

Scholes spoke to each member of the squad after breaking the news this morning to VCA chief executive Kevin Jacobs and chairman of selectors Shaun Graf.

"It is a bit of a shock, I haven't heard a great deal, but certainly it's disappointing for our team," said batsman Brad Hodge.

Jacobs knew Scholes had been experiencing some problems, but said this afternoon: "It obviously shocked us no end. He said it was something he'd been thinking about for a while."

Jacobs also stressed the resignation had nothing to do with cricket issues. He conceded it was likely Victoria would re-work its current coaching staff, with Mick O'Sullivan and Brian McFadyen the two assistants under Scholes.

The team is due to train again on Wednesday, ahead of Friday's season launch.

"We hope to make a decision fairly quickly," Jacobs said.

Jacobs praised Scholes' contribution to Victorian cricket as a player and coach.

"We would welcome him back in some manner," he said.

© 2001 AAP