Former England player Charlotte Edwards has been named head coach of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) women's team. She will be in charge of the series against the West Indies in May

Former England skipper Charlotte Edwards has been named head coach of England women's team, the board announced on Tuesday (April 1). The 45-year-old is replacing Jon Lewis, who had quit after England's 16-0 loss to Australia in the just-concluded Ashes series.

"I am thrilled to be returning as captain of the England women's cricket team and I am looking forward to continuing to build this team and taking us to victory," Edwards stated in a statement issued by the ECB on Tuesday. "It means the world to me to have the Three Lions on my chest again. I had the privilege of captaining England for 10 years, and this team and our heritage will always be in my heart. We have got such great players, and I can't wait to work with them and get them better as individuals and as a team."

Edwards had an outstanding 20-year career, winning two World Cups and five Ashes titles. She played over 300 matches before retiring from cricket in 2017. After retiring, she worked as a coach in English cricket and the global T20 leagues.

She enjoyed success with franchises such as the Southern Vipers in regional cricket, the Southern Brave in the Hundred League, the Sydney Sixers in the Women's Big Bash League, and the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League.

Clare Connor, Deputy Chief Executive of the ECB and Chief Executive of English Women's Cricket, described her as an "outstanding candidate" for the position.

"As we developed the criteria for the position, it quickly became clear that Charlotte was the ideal candidate. She has the experience, passion, and expertise to lead this team to success. The results she has achieved as a head coach in various areas since retiring as one of England's greatest players of all time are testament to her tireless commitment and the standards she sets for those around her," Connor was quoted as saying on the ECB's official website.

"We are delighted to appoint her as head coach of the England women's team and are very excited about the future," Connor added.

Following her appointment, Edwards thanked the ECB for the opportunity.