Robinson departs after England’s Ashes humiliation

Coach hailed for women’s World Cup triumph ‘It feels right time for me to take on new challenge’

Mark Robinson has ended his fouryear reign as the head coach of England, admitting it was “the right time” for him to step aside.

Robinson, who steered England to their historic 2017 World Cup win over India at Lord’s, departs following the team’s 12-4 series defeat by Australia in the Ashes last month.

Alastair Maiden, the assistant coach, will take temporary charge ahead of December’s Women’s Championship series against Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur.

“Mark can reflect on his time as England coach with a great deal of pride,” said Clare Connor, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s managing director of women’s cricket. “Winning the World Cup in 2017 in front of a packed Lord’s was a landmark moment for the whole game and his leadership and professionalism were an integral part of our success.

“He drove high standards across young players to become the best team in the world, as well as coaching them to understand the demands of professional sport.

“Mark passionately championed the development of the women’s game in this role and we thank him for all he has contributed to England women’s cricket during such an exciting stage of our journey.

“However, after discussions with Mark, we have agreed that now is the right time for him to step down. 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.”

After joining the ECB in 2015, Robinson also led England to the final of last year’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, where they were beaten by Australia. The former Sussex first-team coach quashed rumours five months ago that he was in the running to replace outgoing men’s head coach Trevor Bayliss, adding that the possibility was not “on the radar”.

Speaking in light of his resignation, the 52-year-old insisted the past four years had been “wonderful”, but confessed he was ready for his next challenge.

“I’ve had so many memorable moments,” he said. “Nothing could ever surpass winning the Women’s World Cup on home soil, but from a pure coaching perspective, reaching the T20 final – with a depleted team, three non-contracted players and three players 20 or younger – is a huge personal highlight.

“It has been exciting to watch so many players grow and to watch so many records broken, but it feels the right time for me to take on a new challenge and to allow a different voice to come in before the next T20 World Cup in Australia.

“We have put a lot of groundwork in place and this, coupled with the new investment into the women’s game, will make a huge difference in time. I would like to thank everyone associated with England Women for all the kindness and support they have shown me and wish Heather Knight and the team all the best for the future.”