Thursday 12 November 2015 10:02, UK
Mark Robinson has been confirmed as the new head coach of the England women’s team.
The 48-year-old, who spent the last 10 years in charge of Sussex, leading them to the County Championship in 2006 and 2007, will join up with England at the end of the year.
Sussex have also confirmed the appointment of Mark Davis as the club's new head coach following the departure of Robinson.
Robinson previously spent time in charge of the England Lions, inspiring them to series victories over Sri Lanka in 2014 and South Africa in January.
He will take charge of his new side for the first time ahead of the three-match One-Day International Series with South Africa in February.
"I'm incredibly excited about this opportunity. It is obvious to everybody how quickly women's cricket has grown in recent years - the game is now truly professional in every respect - so to have the chance to play a part in the next chapter for the England women's team is a great honour," Robinson told ECB official website.
"I'm also really looking forward to the challenge of coaching in an international environment again.
"It does mean I will be leaving Sussex, and I would like to thank everyone who I have worked and played alongside at the club, as well as the supporters, for providing me with so many happy memories."
England lost the Ashes to Australia on home soil in the summer for the first time 2001, and Robinson is tasked with inspiring a quick return to winning ways in the southern hemisphere.
ECB's Director of England Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, said: "We are absolutely delighted to appoint Mark as the head coach of the England women's team.
"He has a superb coaching record with Sussex, experience of working with England teams, a reputation for getting the best out of players, and is highly regarded as one of the best coaches working in the men's professional game.
"The next 18 months are hugely important for the England women's team and the players must quickly get back to winning ways in South Africa in February.
"Starting in India in March 2016, we will be competing in three ICC world events in the next three years and I fully believe Mark has the skill set and experience to lead the team to sustained success on their exciting journey as professional cricketers.
"The fact that we have been able to attract a coach of Mark's calibre is another demonstration that England women's cricket continues to hit new heights. It has been a highly competitive recruitment process, and we are all thrilled to have him on board."
