Former Nottinghamshire off-spinner Richard Bates has been named as the new coach of the England Women's team. RICHARD BATES FACTFILE Born: Stamford 17.6.1972 Made first-class debut for Notts in 1993 First-class record: 50 wickets in 33 games, best bowling 5-88 One-day record: 63 wickets in 71 games, best bowling 3-21 |
He will take over from Australian John Harmer, who leaves his post at the end of the month.
Bates turned to coaching after ending his full-time playing career in 1999, although he appeared for the Nottinghamshire Cricket Board side against Cumberland in the first round of this season's C&G Trophy, taking 0-30 in his 10 overs.
He has worked for the England and Wales Cricket Board as a coach at both regional and national level, and spent three months in Australia over the winter.
The 30-year-old has recently been working with the Super Strikers, one of the four teams in the elite women's Super Fours competition.
"After benefiting from two years of John Harmer's innovative coaching methods we know we are heading in the right direction.
"We must build on our recent successes and Richard Bates is the man to take the mantle from John," said England captain Clare Connor.
"The girls have always responded very positively to Richard and we are all excited about the opportunity to work with him on a full-time basis."
 Consistency of coaching techniques is vital with 18 months left to prepare for the World Cup in South Africa |
Bates' first task will be to prepare the England team for two Tests and three one-day internationals against South Africa in August.
They are in confident mood after pushing Australia hard in the Women's Ashes, although they lost the series 1-0.
"The England women's team has made significant progress over the past couple of years with John and I'll look to build on the solid foundations which he has laid," said Bates.
Harmer is leaving to take up a post as a biomechanics specialist at the Australian Cricket Academy, but will work with Bates until the end of July before heading home.
He led the Australian Women's team to three successive World Cup finals before becoming England coach in 2001.
MMIX
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