Lisa Keightley: First Female Full Time Coach for England Women's Cricket Team

Former Australian international cricketer Lisa Keightley has been appointed as the first full-time female head coach of England women’s cricket team.

Keightley was the first woman to secure a century at Lord’s in 1998. She will join England squad in January after the conclusion of the Women’s Big Bash League, as the 48-year-old is under commitment to train Perth Scorchers for the tournament. She served as head trainer of the England women’s academy from 2011 to 2015.

To be granted an opportunity to work with some of the professionals who I worked with a few years ago is overwhelming. I can’t wait to begin and see where we can get to. - Lisa Keightley

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About her new position, Keightley said that she is excited as it is a huge opportunity. "It’s a unit full of world-class players. To be granted an opportunity to work with some of the professionals who I worked with a few years ago is overwhelming. I can’t wait to begin and see where we can get to," she said.

.@ScorchersBBL coach Lisa Keightley will take over as England coach at the end of #WBBL05

MORE: https://t.co/qRkcM1JZmd pic.twitter.com/dPeegNK6DY

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 30, 2019

She also stated that England is the prevailing 50-over world champion and that they made it to the finals of the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, she believes that they’re a very ambitious bunch, and they wouldn’t be in big matches like that if they didn’t have a powerful team of players who can offer on the big stage. She is looking forward to getting started and helping the crew progress.

I am thrilled about the growth our sport advances to make, and I’m certain that Lisa’s selection will truly be seen as another huge step for women’s cricket. - Clare Connor, England and Wales Cricket Board’s Managing Director of Women's Cricket.

Clare Connor on Keightley's appointment

Clare Connor, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Managing Director of Women's Cricket, said Keightley was a stellar candidate for the position. “She drew precise designs as to how she understands she can take the team and this group of players ahead. Lisa will become the first full-time female head coach of the England Women’s team. I am thrilled about the growth our sport advances to make, and I’m certain that Lisa’s selection will truly be seen as another huge step for women’s cricket,” reports Cricbuzz.

Alastair Maiden will continue as interim coach till Keightley’s responsibilities with the Scorchers are finished. 48 Keightley was going to work as the women’s head coach for London Spirit in the Hundred next year. Due to this appointment, she will not be taking up that role.

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Image: Glenn Hunt/AAP

Saumya Rastogi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV