Keightley resigns as Australian women's coach

	Lisa Keightley: "I've enjoyed my time [with the team] but now is the time for me to pursue other opportunities" © Getty Images

Lisa Keightley, who has been coach of the Australian women's team since June 2007, has decided to step down from her role at the end of the month. Keightley, the first woman to coach the team, cited personal reasons for her decision.

"I've enjoyed my time [with the team] but now is the time for me to pursue other opportunities. I wish the squad well in the future and in particular as they build towards the Women's World Cup to be held in Australia in March next year," Keightley said. "Whoever takes over the role will find a determined group of athletes ready to defend their title."

Michael Brown, Cricket Australia's general manager, said: "I'm grateful for Lisa's contribution to the team. We'll now take the time we need to identify Lisa's successor as we enter an important period for women's cricket in this country."

During her tenure, Australia won home and away ODI series against New Zealand while drawing 2-2 in the one-dayers against England, before losing the one-off Ashes Test. Australia maintained a 55.5% win rate when Keightley was coach.

Prior to her role with the national team, Keightley, 36, led New South Wales to consecutive titles in her only two years in charge. Before embarking on her coaching career, she was a member of the national team, for whom she played nine Tests and 82 ODIs as a top-order batsman.