Fitzpatrick steps down as Australia Women's coach

Australia Women's coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick will step down from her role after choosing not to renew her contract, which expires in May.

Fitzpatrick had guided the team to three World Cup titles during her tenure, which began in May 2012, will shift focus on coaching at the youth level. She was also open to be involved with the upcoming Women's Big Bash League.

"Cricket has been a big part of my life and I am very keen to stay involved with the game, but I want to concentrate on helping our next batch of youngsters coming through the system," she said. "I also think I can play a role in building the new Women's Big Bash League, hopefully through a coaching role with one of the teams.

"It's been a very rewarding period, helping develop a group of exciting young players and seeing them achieve great things on the world stage. We have had some time since our last international commitments and it has given me time to reflect on what I think is best for the players to continue their success. Right now I believe that a coach with a fresh approach will help them continue their rise and reach their potential.

Pat Howard, the team performance manager, credited Fitzpatrick for lifting Australia to the No.1 ranking in ODI and T20 cricket. He also said Cricket Australia will search for a replacement, who could be based at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

"Cathryn has achieved great things with the national squad as Head Coach and before that as an Assistant," Howard said. "She's been instrumental in the team's success.She leaves her post with the team clearly at the top of its game and as one of the country's most admired sporting sides. We'd like to thank her for her great contribution.