JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC) — Mickey Arthur has resigned as South Africa’s coach, five months ahead of their series against West Indies in the Caribbean.

The Zimbabwean, who has served in the position for almost five years with South Africa, said the time had come for a change of guard.

“The timing is very unfortunate with an exciting two-Test tour of India coming up, but the international cricket calendar these days means that there is never a good time,” Arthur said.

“But all good things must come to an end and now is the time for someone else to take over.”

Arthur’s resignation comes at a difficult time for Cricket South Africa, with the Proteas leaving this week for their tour of India where they will play two Tests and three One-Day Internationals.

Reports indicate that former South Africa fast bowler Corrie van Zyl could be given temporary charge of the team for the tour.

Arthur said he was pleased with what he had accomplished in his time in charge of the world number two Test team.

“I am very proud of what the Proteas have achieved while I was coach, especially being ranked number one in both forms of the game in the last 12 months and winning series in England and Australia,” he said.

South Africa will kick off their Caribbean tour on May 19, just three days after the final of the Twenty20 World Championship.

They are scheduled to play three Tests, five ODIs and a single T20 International before departing at the end of June.