Mark Robinson to leave role as England Women's head coach

Robinson's departure comes in the wake of England's disappointing 12-4 defeat by Australia in the multi-format Ashes series earlier in the summer

England Women's head coach Mark Robinson is to leave the role after nearly four years in the job.

Robinson's departure comes in the wake of England's disappointing 12-4 defeat by Australia in the multi-format Ashes series earlier in the summer.

The former Sussex and Yorkshire bowler was appointed to the role in November 2015, and guided his side to World Cup glory in 2017.

Assistant coach Alastair Maiden will take temporary charge of the team ahead of December’s ICC Women’s Championship series against Pakistan.

Robinson oversaw England’s World Cup win in 2017, but his side struggled in this summer’s Women’s Ashes against Australia, winning just a single game in the seven-match multi-format series.

There has been sympathy for both Robinson and captain Heather Knight since the series ended; Australia’s domestic infrastructure is far superior to that of England.

Cricket Australia’s restructuring of the women’s game has meant that Matthew Mott has a greater pool of talent and professional players to choose from than that available to Robinson.

The former Sussex coach bemoaned the lack of athleticism in his squad after Australia retained the Women’s Ashes by drawing the solitary Test at Taunton.

Commenting on the decision, ECB managing director of women’s cricket, Clare Connor said: “Mark can reflect on his time as England Coach with a great deal of pride.

^{England won the Women's World Cup in front of a packed house at Lord's under Robinson in 2017 - a landmark day for the sport}

“Winning the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017 in front of a packed Lord’s Cricket Ground was a landmark moment for the whole game and his leadership and professionalism were an integral part of our success.

“He drove high standards across young players to become the best team in the world as well as coaching them to understand the demands of professional sport.

“Mark passionately championed the development of the women’s game during his time in this role and we thank him for all he has contributed to England women’s cricket during such an exciting stage of our journey.”

Robinson added: “Although the recent Ashes was a difficult series, a few hard weeks doesn’t take anything away from what has been a wonderful four years. I’ve had so many highlights and memorable moments with the team.

“Nothing could ever surpass winning the ICC Women’s World Cup on home soil, but from a pure coaching perspective, reaching the T20 final last November – with a depleted team, three non-contracted players and three players 20 years old or younger – is a huge personal highlight.

“It’s been exciting to watch so many players grow and to watch so many records broken, but it feels the right time for me to take on a new challenge and to allow a different voice to come in before the next T20 World Cup in Australia.

“We have put a lot of groundwork in place, and this, coupled with the new investment into the women’s game will make a huge difference in time.

“I would like to thank everyone associated with England Women for all the kindness and support they have shown me and wish Heather and the team all the best for the future.”