Lane jets out to Australia

24 January 2008

Vince Wells has remained behind for personal reasons

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced that Mark Lane will join the England women’s squad in Australia as a replacement for Vince Wells.

Wells has remained in the UK for personal reasons and Lane will join the squad on Friday as the women play a warm-up match against Victoria in Melbourne.

Mark Dobson, England head coach, said: “It’s a real shame that Vince can’t be with us on this tour but Mark Lane is the perfect replacement in that he has been working with the squad in the build-up to the tour.

“The girls respond to his coaching style with enthusiasm and we all look forward to his arrival on Friday.”

Lane played for Hampshire and Surrey 2nd XI teams as well as Berkshire minor counties as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

He is currently a full-time cricket coach for Surrey and coaches the Academy at the county.

Lane has previously coached the Kenya men’s team and helped build the women’s game in Kenya.

He has an extensive background in women’s cricket having spent eight years working closely with regional squads. He coaches England and Berkshire batsman Claire Taylor.

Lane said: “The opportunity to work with the England women’s team as they fight to retain the Ashes is a huge honour.

“I am passionate about coaching cricket so the chance to be assistant coach to the national team is something I will grab with both hands.

“They are a talented squad and I can’t wait to play my part in helping them achieve the success they deserve. There is no greater challenge in cricket than England v Australia – bring it on.”