Charlotte Edwards takes on head coach role of Sydney Sixers

The Women's Big Bash League franchise Sydney Sixers have named former England captain Charlotte Edwards as their head coach after three consecutive poor seasons. Having won the tournament twice in the first four editions, the Sixers have failed to qualify for the finals in the last three seasons.

Edwards, who is also the coach of Southern Vipers in county cricket, has been working as Adelaide Strikers' assistant coach for the last five seasons. She will replace Ben Sawyer, who is now Australia women's team's assistant coach.

"I'm extremely excited to be offered the role with the Sixers who are one of the most successful women's domestic teams in the world. The vision for the Sixers is to bring back trophies for the club," said Edwards.

"More importantly is the way we do that, and I think the way we do that is to play a really exciting and entertaining style of cricket that hopefully the fans are proud of and want to come and watch. That means a lot to me and the group.

"I've got to get this team to make finals and I'm absolutely certain we can do that. I wouldn't take on the role if I didn't think that."

New South Wales' head of female cricket, Leah Poulton said: "Ben has been a wonderful leader over many years at the Sixers and he's done a fantastic job developing a generation of players. We are proud not just of Ben's achievements but also of the way in which he worked so hard to build a culture within the team and a connection with our members and fans.

"Charlotte brings with her extensive leadership experience and a reputation for bringing out the best in those around her. She has already demonstrated a clear vision for the team, it's an exciting brand of cricket which I'm sure will appeal to our fans."

The Sixers have already signed Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner for the upcoming edition, while Ellyse Perry too is expected to stay. "That's probably what attracted me to this role. You see the list they've got … (and you think), 'why aren't they performing, why aren't they doing well?'. That really appealed to the coach in me.

"You often have a team where you want to play a certain way, but you can't because you sometimes haven't got the playing group. Well, we absolutely have got the playing group and now it's just a matter of getting the best out of those players."

Edwards said she is eager to bring in some quality international players following the lifting of the competition's signing embargo. I've got some decent contacts in the game, and I've had some really positive conversations with a number of players. I think people are going to be pretty excited by the players we bring in."

(Image credit: Sydney Sixers)