England’s women’s cricket team coach Mark Robinson has stepped down from his position following a horrendous display in the Ashes, where his side won just one of the matches across all format.
Robinson, 52, guided England to their 2017 World Cup triumph where they defeated India in the final at Lord’s. The following year, 2018, the team reached the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean but lost the title to Australia.
Speaking about his decision, Robinson told Reuters, “Although the recent Ashes was a difficult series, a few hard weeks doesn’t take anything away from what has been a wonderful four years. I’ve had so many highlights and memorable moments with the team.
“Nothing could ever surpass winning the Women’s World Cup on home soil but from a pure coaching perspective, reaching the T20 final last November – with a depleted team, three non-contracted players and three players 20 years old or younger – is a huge personal highlight.
“It’s been exciting to watch so many players grow and to watch so many records broken but it feels the right time to take on a new challenge and to allow a different voice to come in before the next T20 World Cup in Australia.”
Furthermore, England and Wales Cricket Board managing director of women’s cricket, Clare Connor said, “It is important that we give Mark’s successor time to shape the team’s future direction and to begin to develop strong relationships with the players as we plan for the next phase of our international calendar.”
Meanwhile, assistant coach Alastair Maiden has been given the temporary reigns for England’s Women’s Championship series against Pakistan in December.
Having played for Sussex and Yorkshire in his career, Robinson coached the latter for 10 years before starting his new job with the women’s team in November 2015.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @ICC
