Danielle Hazell appointed as Head Coach of the Yorkshire Diamonds

Former England captain and World Cup winner Danielle Hazell has been appointed as Head Coach of the Yorkshire Diamonds. The former spinner recently announced her retirement of a ten-year career and will begin her new role with immediate effect, assisting in the selection process of the 2019 Diamonds’ cohort.

“There has been a lot of change for me over the last few months but it’s great to have a new challenge ahead. I’m very much looking forward to getting started,” said Hazell to yorkshireccc.com.

“I’ve spent many years here at Yorkshire, but have been away at Lancashire for the last year or so, so it’s nice to come back with a completely different challenge in mind. I’m very happy with my decision to retire from the sport, I’m comfortable with it and I’m very much looking forward to what comes next.”

Hazell was a part of Durham's academy. She joined the Yorkshire set-up as a teenager in 2008, and went on to make her England debut against West Indies in November 2009. She has since scored 577 runs with the bat and 146 career wickets in the process.

“I’ve been around the club for nearly 10 years, so I’m almost honorary Yorkshire. I’ve enjoyed my time here and Yorkshire is like my second home. It’s time now to put some of the experience I’ve gained over the years into practice and hopefully we can have a good season."

“I know the girls pretty well and hopefully now I can bring some of my experience back from playing in the Kia Super League and International cricket over the last few years. I’m going to make sure the girls work really hard and that we put in some really good performances. I want them to go out there and enjoy their cricket and hopefully I can help instil some of that Yorkshire grit.”

Although she departed the Diamonds setup at the end of 2016, Hazell has continued to play for the Club in the Women’s County Championship.

“Even from a young age she’s always worn the Yorkshire badge with pride and played with her heart on her sleeve. Having recently retired, she now wants to give something back, become a role model and inspire the next generation. I’m sure she will be an excellent coach for the Diamonds in 2019.” said Diamonds General Manager, Jane Hildreth.

“She knows all of the girls very well, she’ll bring her A-game as she always has and she will grow into coaching in the Kia Super League.”

“More importantly she understands the future of English cricket; the direction of travel. There are some exciting plans for the women’s game from 2020 and we feel Danielle is perfect to represent the club going into this period.”