Mark Lane named UK coach of the year

Mark Lane, the England women's coach, was named UK coach of the year and high performance coach of the year at the UK coaching awards ceremony in London on Tuesday.

Lane, 44, has overseen a memorable year for England, guiding them to the World Cup, the World Twenty20, a 4-0 triumph over Australia in the Natwest Series and a draw in a one-off Test to retain the Ashes.

Hugh Morris, the ECB managing director, said the dedication Lane has shown since taking up the position alongside the money put into Women's cricket has been behind England's success.

"Mark has been working with the England women's team since April 2008 and his passion for the game and the hard work of all involved have helped the team achieve a huge amount in the last 18 months.

"This, coupled with the increased investment into women's cricket particularly in the last four years, has helped England become the dominant force in the game."

Clare Connor, ECB's head of England women's cricket, said that the team were looking forward to building on this year's success next season.

"I know that Mark, the rest of the management and the entire team are already focussed on 2010 and beyond and ensuring that the team maintains its position as the best in the world and continues to inspire girls to play the game."

Cricket received a third accolade at the ceremony, winning the coaching intervention of the year award. This was for 'cricket's education offer' in the form of eight members of the England women's team working as coaching ambassadors for the ECB's Chance to shine programme.