Ashley Noffke in contention to be named England Women head coach

Ashley Noffke, the former Australia allrounder, is a contender for the vacancy as England women's head coach, ESPNcricinfo understands.

Noffke, who played one ODI and two T20Is for Australia in 2007-8, has enjoyed recent success as head coach of Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire, winning the 2019-20 Women's Big Bash League and 2020-21 Women's National Cricket League.

He signed a contract extension last year that runs until 2025 but is understood to have been interviewed for the vacancy created by Lisa Keightley's departure. Noffke is highly regarded in Australian cricket and previously worked as Australia women's assistant coach under Matthew Mott, who became England men's white-ball coach earlier this year.

Jonathan Finch, the director of England women's cricket, interviewed several candidates last week and an appointment is expected in the next 10 days. The job was advertised in September and the successful candidate will start on a three-year fixed term until November 2025.

Two other contenders share the name Jon Lewis: the former Gloucestershire seamer who is men's pace-bowling lead at the ECB, and the former Durham batter who has worked with England's women as a batting consultant over the last 18 months.

Further candidates for the role include Jon Batty, who has coached Oval Invincibles to the title in both editions of the women's Hundred, as well as Michael Bates, the wicketkeeping and fielding coach who has worked extensively in the women's game, and Gareth Breese, the Welsh Fire and England women's performance pathway coach.

Charlotte Edwards, the former England captain and current Southern Brave, Southern Vipers and Sydney Sixers coach, has previously ruled herself out of the running.

England are expected to name a squad for their upcoming West Indies tour shortly after a coach is announced.