Durham Cricket is delighted to announce that former England captain and World Cup winner Danielle Hazell has been appointed Head Coach of Durham Women.
Hazell returns to Durham on a three-year deal and will lead the Club in its new chapter following the England and Wales Cricket Board’ restructure of the women’s professional game.
A three-time Ashes winner, Hazell joins Durham having been Head Coach of Northern Diamonds since 2019 – a role which has seen her lead the Diamonds to trophy success winning the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2022 and played a key role in the development of the Diamonds academy.
Hazell has also been in charge of the Northern Superchargers women since 2019, leading the side to the final in 2023 – and will remain Head Coach of the Hundred franchise alongside her new role with Durham.
The off-spinner who made 141 appearances for England – enjoyed a successful career for the Three Lions claiming 146 wickets, winning two World Cups and three Ashes series, over a nine-year period.
The 36-year-old returns to Durham having progressed through the women and girl’s pathway and into the senior women’s team, boasting a cricket CV which has also seen her represent, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers.
Hazell will officially take on the new role in November, following the completion of the regional women’s competition.
Marcus North, Director of Cricket said: “It was clear from the off that Dani was the right person to lead Durham into our new chapter and begin to create history as a women’s professional team.
“She knows the Club inside out having played for us and worked within our women and girl’s pathway in recent years.
“Dani has an excellent reputation following a successful period as Northern Diamonds and Northern Superchargers Head Coach, she had a winning mentality as a player and as a coach which is exciting for Durham.”
“I look forward to working with her, as this exciting chapter for Durham Cricket begins.”
Durham Cricket, Chief Executive, Tim Bostock added: “We’re delighted that Dani has agreed to become the Head Coach of our women’s team and we are extremely excited to welcome her back to Durham.
“Her knowledge of the game globally is key, but also her knowledge of the game in Durham is vitally important for us, I believe she is the perfect fit for Durham Cricket.”
“I’m delighted to take up the opportunity as Head Coach.” said Hazell.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Durham Cricket and the whole of the region, and I wanted to be part of this historic new era for the Club.
“I feel aligned with the club’s ambitions and standards to continually grow and move forward in such a pivotal moment for women and girls’ cricket.
“I knew after initial conversations; it was the right opportunity for me to return to my home club and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”