Mark Robinson steps down as head coach of England

After four years in the role, Mark Robinson has chosen to step down as head coach of the England women’s cricket team. The announcement was made by the England and Wales Cricket Board via a press release on Tuesday (August 20).



The 52-year-old, who took over as coach in 2015, oversaw England’s successful 2017 ICC Women’s World campaign at home, and also guided the team to the final of the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. Most recently, England enjoyed a run of 14 consecutive wins in international cricket— a run that began against India in March 2019, and ran until the start of the Ashes in June.



Robinson departs, following the team’s disappointing 12-4 loss in the Ashes series against Australia at home, a little over three weeks ago.



“I’ve had so many highlights and memorable moments with the team. 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,” Robinson said after making the announcement. "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 twenty years old or younger – is a huge personal highlight.”



Through his time with the England team, Robinson has been largely credited with the growth and development of players like Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield and Danielle Wyatt who flourished under his watch. Previously in and out of the team, they were given extended runs and allowed to explore their potential without the fear of being quickly caste aside.



“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.”



Clare Connor, ECB’s managing director of women’s cricket, acknowledged Robinson's contribution to England women's cricket, saying his leadership and style of coaching were integral to the team's success over a period of three years.



“Mark can reflect on his time as England Coach with a great deal of pride,” she said. “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.”



“However, after discussions with Mark, we have agreed that now is the right time for him to step down as England Women’s Head Coach. It is important that we give Mark’s successor time to shape the team’s future direction and to begin to develop strong relationships with the players as we plan for the next phase of our international calendar,” she added.



Alistair Maiden, the team’s assistant coach, will take temporary charge ahead of their series against Pakistan in December.