Family time important to Moody

The stability offered by Western Australia was crucial to Tom Moody's life © Getty Images

New Western Australia coach Tom Moody admits his decision to resign as Sri Lanka coach was purely down to ‘personal reasons’.

The 41-year-old rejected the offer of a new contract with Sri Lanka on Monday to return to Australia in a similar position on a three-year-deal.

And though he stressed the decision was not an easy one to make, in the end a desire to be closer to family was crucial.

Moody said: "I must state at the outset it was a very difficult decision to make.

“The decision was based on the fact that I need some balance in my personal and professional life.

“Also the fact that I will have more to time to spend with my family is an important factor.

“I think the Western Australian offer has given me the challenge to really look forward and it will also offer me stability.

“I have not thought beyond the Western Australian offer which will be for the next three years after which I will be open to any opportunity.”

The former World Cup winner insists he will always look back on his two years in Sri Lanka with great fondness and will take with him plenty of positives.

He added: “As for the Sri Lankan job, I must say that it gave me a lot of fondness. I did enjoy every moment of the job as I was able to work with a highly talented group of cricketers.

“Besides that I also met some wonderful people and have made some great friends over there.

“Personally I have no regrets as I am a positive person who doesn't dwell on the negatives but tend to focus on the positive factors.”