Keightley to coach Southern Stars

Former Australia opener Lisa Keightley has been named as the Southern Stars' new coach.

Keightley becomes the first woman appointed to coach the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, replacing Mark Sorell, who will lead the South Australia Pura Cup side from next season.

Keightley has been the coach of the NSW Wolf Blass Breakers for the past two seasons, winning the national title on each occasion.

Keightley said: “I’m very excited and proud to be appointed coach of the Australian women’s team. I’m grateful that Cricket NSW has provided a pathway for my coaching development and given me the opportunity, experience and support I needed to reach this stage of my career,” Keightley said.

“We have a young side coming through at the moment on the international level and it will be important to give these new players an opportunity. Australian women’s cricket has experienced a dominant era but we are now faced with the challenge of coming up with new ways to change the game and remain successful.

“It’s great that the position is a full-time role at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. It will be a good environment to work in with high-class facilities and expertise across all aspects of the game.”

Keightley's first appointement in next month's Rose BOwl against the White Ferns in late July.