NSW Breakers lure Bates as coach

Richard Bates, the former England women's coach, will take over the reins of the New South Wales Breakers following Lisa Keightley's promotion to the Australian job. Bates resigned from his England post earlier this year with the plan of moving his family to Australia and the exit of Keightley has allowed a smooth transition.

The Breakers have won nine of the 11 national league titles and Bates will be in charge of continuing the dominant run. "He has an excellent record as coach of the English women's side and we believe that his experience and knowledge will be an important factor in the on-going success of the Breakers," David Gilbert, the Cricket New South Wales chief executive, said.

Bates, a former Nottinghamshire offspinner, worked with England for four years and was in charge when they defeated Australia in the Ashes. He is familiar with Sydney after spending the 2002-03 season with the UTS Balmain club and is excited by the southern hemisphere challenge. "There is undoubted talent in the Breakers squad," he said, "and it seems there is a good mix of experienced international cricketers with some exciting young players coming through the ranks."