ENGLAND women’s head of performance Paul Shaw stood down yesterday to be replaced by a head coach.

Shaw took over the role in 2013 and oversaw home and away Ashes win before losing the urn this summer.

In a restructure, a specialist coach will be brought in.

“I have very much enjoyed the past two-and-a-half-years working with the England women’s team,” said Shaw.

“The England women’s performance programme has evolved into a world-class set-up over the past few years. With this in mind, I believe it is now time to step aside and give someone else the opportunity to take the programme and the team onto the next level, as I look to take on my next challenge.”

England and Wales Cricket Board director Clare Connor praised the work Shaw has done and explained the new direction women’s cricket will be going in.

“The important contribution that Paul has made to the development of England Women’s cricket over the last seven years is unquestionable,” she said.

“When Paul was appointed to the new role of head of England women’s performance in 2013, it was at a stage when professionalism of the England women’s team was imminent. His strategic planning, long-term vision and relationship management have been instrumental in guiding the programme through this transition.

“The women’s game is now fully professional and is in a different place to when Paul was appointed. The decision to move back to a more traditional coaching structure, led by one overarching head coach, ideally with first-class or international playing or coaching experience, is what we believe is now needed to take the players to the next level in their development as professional cricketers.”