Keightley confirmed as England Women’s first full-time female head coach

Former Australia international Lisa Keightley has been named as the first full-time female head coach of England Women.
The 48-year-old, who was also the first woman to score a century at Lord’s, will take up her new post in January at the end of the Women’s Big Bash League, in which she coaches the Perth Scorchers.
It is a return to England for Keightley, who will be a familiar face to several players having worked as head coach of the England Women’s academy between 2011 and 2015.
“I’m massively excited,” Keightley said. “It’s a huge opportunity. It’s a team full of world-class players and to be given the chance to work with some of the players who I worked with a few years ago is really exciting. I can’t wait to get started and see where we can get to.
“England are the current 50-over world champions and they made it to the final of the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
“They’re a very competitive side and they wouldn’t be in big matches like that if they didn’t have a really strong group of players who can perform on the big stage. I’m really looking forward to getting under way and helping the team progress.”
Clare Connor, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s managing director of women’s cricket, said Keightley was the stand-out candidate for the job.
“She outlined clear plans as to how she believes she can take the team and this group of players forward,” Connor said.
“Lisa will become the first full-time female head coach of the England Women’s team. I am excited about the progress our sport continues to make and I’m sure that Lisa’s appointment will rightly be seen as another huge step for women’s cricket.”
Alastair Maiden will remain in interim charge until Keightley’s duties with the Scorchers are complete.
Keightley had been due to work as women’s head coach for London Spirit in The Hundred next year, but will now not take up that role.
Latest
-
News
Olly Stone hopes to play a role in an England pace trio during this year’s Ashes
Stone hopes to play a role this summer along with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
-
News
Olly Stone ready for whatever role is required to make England World Cup squad
‘Any way in the England team, I’ll snap someone’s hand off,’ said Stone.
-
Women's Cricket
Dane van Niekerk ‘absolutely broken’ to miss World Cup over fitness standards
The South Africa captain was unable to complete a two-kilometre run in the minimum required time.
-
England
Run of defeats has not damaged England’s confidence, insists Moeen Ali
The all-rounder is confident England will be in good shape for the defence of their World Cup crown.
-
County Cricket
Lancashire sign New Zealand pair Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme
The all-rounders will be available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season.
-
England
Jos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South Africa
Temba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
England
Jos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
England
Jason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
England
England batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.