England women appoint Birkenshaw

Former Yorkshire and Leicestershire player Jack Birkenshaw has been appointed assistant coach of the England women's team until 2009.

The 67-year-old, who helped England to Ashes success in February, has joined the coaching team on a permanent basis.

"I enjoyed coaching the England women over the winter, and many of the players are making great progress," Birkenshaw said.

"I'm proud to be part of their recent success and am sure we can get better."

Birkenshaw, who played for England in five Tests between 1973 and 1974, will work with head coach Mark Lane, specialising in helping England's spinners ahead of next year's Ashes and ICC World Twenty20.

Clare Connor, the head of women's cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, described Birkenshaw's appointment as a coup.

"Whilst we have always used many specialist coaches with our elite players, we have never had an assistant coach working with the players on a weekly basis and to tour with them," said the former England captain.

"Attracting Jack to the position shows how much progress the women's game has made in terms of profile and professionalism."

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