Richard Bates named as new head coach of the England Women's cricket team

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today announced the appointment of the ex-Nottinghamshire spinner and Level III ECB coach, Richard Bates, as Head Coach of the England Women's Cricket Team.

Richard has been a Coach with the ECB since retiring from First Class Cricket in 1999, having enjoyed a ten-year playing career with Nottinghamshire.

As an ECB Regional and then National Coach, Richard has worked with a range of teams including junior boys teams in the South and, last year, The Super Strikers: one of the elite women's Super Fours teams. Richard has worked closely with John Harmer, the current Head Coach on both the coaching of women's teams and coach education.

Richard has also recently benefited from a three-month sabbatical in Australia this winter, having received a Scholarship from The Lord's Taverner's, where he was able to view the set-up in the Australia women's game and share ideas on coaching methods.

Speaking on his appointment Richard said "The England women's team has made significant progress over the past couple of years with John and I'll look to build on the solid foundations which he has laid. England have moved up the world ranking from 5th to 3rd, and now we need to push Australia and New Zealand".

I'm looking forward to the challenge of competiting against the leading nations, but my priority is this summer and our forthcoming npower Test and NatWest ODI series against South Africa".

Gill McConway, ECB Executive Director for Women's Cricket said "we are very pleased that Richard has accepted the job as the England Women's Head Coach. He has already had a significant impact on the women's game at Super Fours and U19 level and is widely acknowledged as one of the best young cricket coaches around.

Clare Connor, England Captain said "After benefiting from two years of John Harmer's innovative coaching methods we know we are heading in the right direction. We must build on our recent successes and Richard Bates is the man to take the mantle from John.

Richard has worked closely with John and consistency of coaching techniques is vital with 18 months left to prepare for the World Cup in South Africa. The girls have always responded very positively to Richard and we are all excited about the opportunity to work with him on a full-time basis."

Richard Bates will take up the post on 1st July, ahead of this summer's npower Test Series and NatWest ODI Series against South AFrica. John Harmer will remain with Richard and the England squad until 31st July ensuring a smooth hand-over period. Richard has signed a two-year contract with the ECB.

Richard was born on 17th June 1972 in Stamford, Lincolnshire.