The Australian women’s cricket team is looking for a new coach. Matthew Mott accepts an offer to manage the England men’s white ball team.
Key points:
- Matthew Mott has been the Australian Women’s Head Coach since 2015.
- Assistant coach Shelley Nitschke to lead Australia women’s team
- Mott to coach England limited overs team after Brendan McCullum appointed as Test coach
Mott will join Brendon McCullum in a bid to turn around England’s faltering fortunes after the former New Zealand star was appointed Tests coach last week.
His current assistant and former all-around star Shelley Nitschke will coach Australia for a tri-series in Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth Games campaign in Birmingham.
Mott has been coaching Australia since 2015, with the team almost unstoppable since their unexpected elimination in the semi-finals of the 2017 ODI World Cup.
Australia enjoyed an unprecedented period ranked number one in the T20 and 50+ formats and also set a new world record by winning 26 consecutive ODIs.
“I’m honored to have been part of such an incredible group of people over the past seven years,” the 48-year-old said.
“Success on the pitch is well documented, but it’s the lifelong friendships I’ve formed that resonate with me the most.
“I’m very proud to have been part of a sport that has been able to endure the past two years and come out of it with an even brighter future.
“This group of players is beautifully led by several players, including [captain] mega [Lanning] and Rachel [Haynes]who have together helped forge a culture that will thrive for many years to come.
“I wish the team the best and look forward to seeing them develop what has become an incredible legacy.”
While negotiating with England over the vacancy, Mott was struck by the tragic death of his “great friend” Andrew Symonds.
“The support of his beautiful family and close friends in the coming days is going to be vitally important, so I respectfully ask for some time to process his passing and immense loss before making any further comments,” Mott said.
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley has paid tribute to Mott’s leadership of the women’s team.
“Under Matthew’s leadership, the team won every major trophy on offer and, most importantly, inspired kids across the country to take up a bat and a ball,” Hockley said.
“He should be proud of the legacy he helped create with our women’s team.
AAP