Lisa Keightley set to step down as England Women's head coach

England Women's head coach Lisa Keightley has decided not to extend her contract and will leave the position at the end of the summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Tuesday (August 9). The tour of India in September will be her last assignment.

The 50-year-old took over the role in late 2019 and guided England to the final of the 2022 ODI World Cup. Under her guideship, England also made it to the semi-finals of the 2020 T20 World Cup and 2022 Commonwealth Games, where they lose to New Zealand in the bronze-medal match on Sunday.

Jonathan Finch, the ECB's director of England Women's cricket, said: "We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and passion Lisa has shown over the last two-and-a-half years in the role. We have seen increased competition for places over the last 12 months and the squad Lisa leaves is an exciting blend of youth and experience.

"Leading an international team is challenging at the best of times. It is more challenging during a pandemic, and Lisa has been able to continue the development of the team during what has been the toughest period we have faced off the field."

Meanwhile, ECB interim chief executive Clare Connor added: "I'd like to place on record our sincere thanks to Lisa for all her efforts across the last two-and-a-half years.

"Lisa was always a fierce opponent when she represented Australia, and she's brought that same pride, passion and will to win into everything she's done with the England Women's team. The team have enjoyed working with her immensely and I know they'll join me in wishing her all the very best for her next challenge."

The ECB will now start the process of recruiting a new coach ahead of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.