Stephen Jenkin has been appointed as the new Coach of the Australian women's cricket team, the AIS-Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, it was announced today.

Jenkin, of Wollongong, New South Wales will take up a 2-year contract effective of 30th April, 2001.

He joins the national side after a triumphant four-year spell as Head-Coach of the New South Wales women's team, the NSW Institute of Sport Blues, leading them to five consecutive Women's National Cricket League titles.

Jenkin has been involved in the elite programs of Women's Cricket Australia (WCA), and has played a significant role in pioneering a comprehensive high performance program for talented juniors throughout regional New South Wales.

More recently he toured New Zealand with the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars where his role was to undertake the team's computer and video analysis sessions.

The appointment is a major step for WCA, being the first time it has employed a head coach on a full-time basis. The appointment comes as a direct result of women's cricket being included as an official program of the Australian Institute of Sport.

Commenting on Jenkin's appointment, WCA President Quentin Bryce said: "Steve was an outstanding applicant who thoroughly deserves the opportunity to lead the AIS – Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars Squad into their next World Cup Campaign."

Steve Jenkin said: " I am thrilled with the opportunity to be the first full-time coach appointed by WCA and am looking forward to working with the AIS to take the program to a new level."

Australian Captain Belinda Clark said: "This is an exciting era for women's cricket in Australia. With the support of the AIS and the Commonwealth Bank, Steve will play a major role in enhancing our competitiveness. With his appointment, the future of our sport looks bright."

Former coach John Harmer did not apply for the position, choosing to pursue a coach education role overseas.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars embark on a 6 week tour England and Ireland this June, before returning home in readiness for the Australian season.

© 2001 Women's Cricket Australia