Edwards steps up as Hampshire women's director

Charlotte Edwards, the former England women's captain, has made her first movement into cricket administration by being appointed as Hampshire's director of women's cricket.

Edwards, who will continue to captain Hampshire Women for a second season this summer, will head up the management of both Hampshire Women's first-team and player pathway sides, as well as the Southern Vipers - the team she led to the inaugural Kia Super League title in 2016.

She takes over the role filled by former Hampshire wicketkeeper Bob Parks, who has announced his retirement after more than 45 years involved in the game.

"I'm extremely excited about my new role as director of women's cricket," Edwards said. "Having played for Hampshire and Southern Vipers for the past two seasons, I see an ambitious organisation that will complement my passion for domestic cricket. I look forward to working with players, coaches and staff to help Hampshire become one of the leading domestic clubs in the country for women's cricket."

Edwards, who captained the England Women's side for more than a decade before retiring in 2015, scored more than 10,000 international runs during her 20-year career.

Her career spanned four Ashes series victories, a World T20 title and the 2009 World Cup victory as England captain. In 2014, she was awarded a CBE for her services to cricket.

"We're delighted that Charlotte has agreed to take up the role," Hampshire's chief executive officer, David Mann, said. "She's a legend in the women's game and has been a superb ambassador for the Vipers both on and off the pitch over the past two seasons.

"Her wealth of experience and knowledge of the game will be invaluable assets for our management group and we're excited by the qualities she brings to the role.

"Our thanks must go to Bob Parks who has been an integral part of what the Southern Vipers and Hampshire Women have been able to achieve over the past two seasons and we all wish him well in his retirement."