Mark Sorell appointed coach of Australian women's side

Mark Sorell, the South Australian high-performance co-ordinator, has been appointed as the new coach of the Australian women's cricket team. Sorell takes over from Stephen Jenkin, who will finish his post early next month after four years in the role. Sorell's first assignment will be to lead the side on their tour of Ireland and England in July and August, including the women's Ashes series.

A Cricket Australia level-three coach, Sorell has enjoyed a long career with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) including as a coach and development officer, regional cricket manager and community cricket manager. After six years as coach of Glenelg District Cricket Club in the SACA Grade competition, Sorell led the state women's cricket team, the South Australian Scorpions, in the Women's National Cricket League from 2002 to 2004. Sorell will commence his role on 11 July.

Michael Brown, Cricket Australia's general manager of cricket operations, said the direction of women's cricket in Australia over the next four years was set to enter a new phase. "Our national women's team has enjoyed tremendous success over the past few years, including our recent World Cup win in South Africa," said Brown. "This was achieved under the guidance of a professional team management structure led by head coach Steve Jenkin. Steve has had a positive influence on the team and we congratulate and thank him for his dedication and support of women's cricket.

Commenting on his appointment, Sorell said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for me, and I am really looking forward to the chance to work with the Australian women's team. It is an exciting time for the Australian women's team having just won the World Cup, preparing to embark on an Ashes campaign and a host of young players coming through the system, so there is much to look forward to."