Danielle Hazell, the former England spinner, has been named as head coach of Yorkshire Diamonds, only weeks after announcing her retirement at the end of a ten-year career that encompassed two Ashes victories and a role in the 2017 World Cup triumph.
Hazell, 30, will begin her new role with immediate effect, to ensure she plays a part in the Diamonds’ squad selection ahead of the 2019 Kia Super League.
“There has been a lot of change for me over the last few months but it’s great to have a new challenge ahead,” Hazell told yorkshireccc.com. “I’m very much looking forward to getting started.
“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.
Although a product of Durham’s academy, Hazell joined the Yorkshire set-up as a teenager in 2008, and went on to make her England debut against West Indies in November 2009. Her first foray into coaching came as part of the Chance to Shine initiative, and she became Level 3-qualified in April 2017.
“I’ve been around the club for nearly 10 years, so I’m almost honorary Yorkshire,” she said. “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.”
Diamonds General Manager, Jane Hildreth, said: “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
“She knows all of the girls very well, she’ll bring her A-game as she always has and 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 in to this period.”
Yorkshire’s CEO Mark Arthur added: “We’re delighted Danielle has accepted the offer to become the Diamonds Head Coach later this summer. We like to invest in talented people and, while Danielle is young from a coaching perspective at this level, she’s Level 3 qualified and has represented Yorkshire and England with distinction. With her tremendous enthusiasm for the game of cricket she’s an ideal person to lead the Diamonds.”
Source: ESPN Crickinfo