Richard Bedbrook appointed new England women’s head of performance pathways

Bedbrook leaves Surrey where he had spent 18 of the last 19 years working in a variety of roles with the men's teams and led Surrey Stars and South East Stars

Richard Bedbrook has been confirmed as the new England women's head of performance pathways.

The 43-year-old will work overseeing the England women A and Under-19 programmes, preparing players for the rigours of international cricket.

Bedbrook will start the role following the Charlotte Edwards Cup, which runs until Finals Day on June 11.

Arriving after spending 18 of the previous 19 years with Surrey, he's held multiple positions around men's cricket at the Kia Oval but his greatest impact has been seen in the women's game.

^{Bedbrook will join after the upcoming Charlotte Edwards Cup (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

More recently, he was appointed Surrey's first women's head coach, led 2018 winners Surrey Stars in the Kia Super League and, upon their formation as one of eight regional teams as part of the new structure, oversaw South East Stars as regional director.

He played a key role in the awarding of the first professional contracts for domestic players in England, with Alice Capsey, Bryony Smith, Dani Gregory and Aylish Cranstone among those from the club to benefit.

The early focus will be on the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023 in South Africa.

"I’m really looking forward to my new role with the ECB and to have an opportunity to make an impact on the international game," said Bedbrook, who played four List A matches for Wiltshire.

^{Bedbrook led Surrey Stars as they won the 2018 Kia Super League (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)}

"We want to be preparing and supporting players both on and off the pitch to give them the very best chance of doing themselves justice when they step onto the pitch to represent England Women for the first time.

"I am truly thankful for all the experiences and memories I have gained at Surrey and am very proud of the roles I have had and how those have impacted on a number of players across the women’s and men’s game."

Director of England women’s cricket Jonathan Finch added: "Richard has been instrumental in developing the women’s and girls’ performance programmes for Surrey and South East Stars and has an in-depth knowledge of domestic and international cricket.

"This exciting role will enable us to work closely with the regions to ensure players receive the best possible support as part of the England women’s player pathway."

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