Tim Macdonald to leave England Women's coaching post-Commonwealth Games

A lot of chopping and change is happening across England's cricketing circles, from the board to the men's and women's teams. Current senior assistant coach with the England Women's team, Tim Macdonald, has decided to leave his position after the conclusion of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Macdonald will take up coaching assignments with the Perth Scorchers, and Western Australia's men's sides post his England stint.

Speaking about time with the England side, Macdonald said, 

"I've loved every minute of working with such an amazing group of players and staff," Macdonald said. "I've learned a great deal and made some life-long friends, but I couldn't turn down this amazing opportunity to return home to Perth and be closer to my family."

Macdonald took up the permanent role of assistant coach in 2020 after spending time on an interim basis for the T20 World Cup in Australia with England.

He went on to further talk about what prompted him to make such a decision.

"With my family living in Australia, and the ability to travel being heavily impacted by COVID-19, it has been a challenging yet rewarding time to be in this job, but in that time, I believe I've seen our team improve and our pool of talent get deeper,"

"Had the rain not intervened at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, we could easily have made two global finals in that time. The future is very bright for the England Women's team,"

"The stars have aligned for me, and I'm so excited to return home to my new role with WA and the Perth Scorchers, and I absolutely can't wait to get going following our quest for Commonwealth games gold," former Tasmania player said.

Director of England Women's Cricket, Jonathan Finch, thanked Macdonald for his contribution thus far.

"Tim has played a vital role in continuing to improve the England Women's team over the last two years and will continue to do so as we prepare for the summer match programme,"

"Tim's departure coincides with the start of the ICC Women's Championship, and there is no doubt his positive influence will be felt over the coming years. We wish Tim all the best in his new role and thank him for the commitment and passion he has given to England Women's cricket," he said.

England is scheduled to play a one-off Test, three-ODI, and T20I series against South Africa from June 27.