(sportal) Australian coach John Buchanan will step down from the top job after the ICC World Cup in the West Indies next year.

The 53-year-old took charge of the Australian team in the summer of 1999-2000, and has guided the side to record-breaking heights in both the one-day and Test arenas.

Buchanan took over from Graham Marsh and immediately made an impact as Australia embarked on the most successful periods of cricket in any era.

The former Queensland opening batsman is disappointed to be stepping down from his post, but is looking forward to spending more time with his family.

"To see players come into the side and fulfill their talent has made this role a truly satisfying one," he said.

"I have had a thoroughly enjoyable time in the position and feel I have made a contribution to the overall success Australia has achieved on the world cricketing stage over the past seven years."

"All cricketers make sacrifices to cricket over their family. I will have the opportunity after the 2007 World Cup to devote more time to my family," he said.

Buchanan was charged with taking Australia through to the World Cup next year, and he believes it will be the perfect time to step down.

"There's a shelf life in coaching and I believe that following the World Cup it will be the appropriate time to hand over the reins to someone new."

"There's a good foundation of systems and processes for the next coach to shape the future of the Australian cricket team."

But there is still plenty of cricket before the World Cup, including the much-anticipated Ashes series in Australia, and Buchanan is now focusing purely on the immediate challenges.

"My absolute focus at the moment however is the upcoming summer of cricket. I am extremely excited about the challenges we face with the ICC Champions Trophy, the 3 mobile Ashes and One-day international series and the 2007 World Cup."

"This summer is a significant moment in Australian cricket's history. We are playing three huge tournaments in a brief period of time with a view to winning them all."

"I look forward to leading the team through this period and then sitting down with Cricket Australia and discussing what contribution I can make in a continued involvement after the World Cup."

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland paid tribute to Buchanan's success.

"John has had extraordinary success as the national coach during his tenure and has given an enormous amount to the game in this time," Mr Sutherland said.

"Since taking on the role as coach, Australia has played 267 International matches and won approximately 75% of these games. This is a record that can not be matched by any other current international side and a testament to the role John has played with the team."

"The success he has helped achieve is a driving force behind cricket's continued growth in this country and one that we are extremely grateful for."

Sutherland confirmed Cricket Australia would shortly begin the process of finding a suitable replacement for Buchanan.

"Cricket Australia will be instigating a management committee in the next month to start the search process for a new coach."