Wiseman leaves Durham for home

Former New Zealand offspinner Paul Wiseman will retire from first-class cricket with Durham to take up a coaching position with Canterbury. Wiseman, whose last match for New Zealand was their steamrollering of Sri Lanka in April 2005, has represented Durham since 2007 but will now shift his focus entirely to coaching back home.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Durham, whose success over the last few years I have been proud to be a part of. I will leave the club with some great memories and will continue to play whatever part I can for Durham for the remainder of the season," said Wiseman. "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Canterbury in a coaching position and I'm really looking forward to beginning that element of my career."

With Canterbury, Wiseman's primary responsibility will to be work with 14 young players in the Elite Player Development Programme, but he will also assist coaches Bob Carter and Stephen Cunis. Wiseman will also be involved with the Canterbury B team and the Under-17 and 19 sides.

Wiseman, 39, took 66 first-class wickets for Durham since joining them after he missed out on a New Zealand cricket contract in 2006. He was part of the side which last season clinched the county's first championship title by beating Kent at Canterbury. Geoff Cook, Durham's coach, said Wiseman's exit would be a loss to the county. "Paul's experience has been a real asset to the side and while we are sad to see him go, the opportunity he has been offered is an excellent one and we wish him the best of luck in his new role."

In 25 Tests Wiseman took 61 wickets at 47.59.