Bowling Coach Mason leaves for England Women role

Bowling Coach Matt Mason has announced he’s leaving the Club “with genuine sadness and a heavy heart” after accepting a role with England Women.

Mason – who arrived at Edgbaston in April having enjoyed success in Australia – has signed a contract to become the new Fast Bowling Coach with the national side.

We’ve already started the recruitment process to identify a high calibre candidate to replace the 48-year-old.

“There are only a handful of jobs I would have left Warwickshire for,” said Mason, “and this is one of them. I had no intention of leaving the club, I’ve loved my time here, but when this opportunity came up I felt I had to take it.

“I’ve never coached at international level before, it’s an exciting prospect and I don’t know if such a chance would ever arise again in the future.

“It’s been a really tough decision, one I’ve thought long and hard about with my family, but in the end I would always have been left thinking ‘what if’ had I not accepted.”

Mason said he turned down overseas franchise coaching offers this winter as he’d intended to focus on Warwickshire’s off season preparations. But when the call came from England the father-of-two felt he had to say yes.

He added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. There is a wonderful group of players, coaches and staff at Warwickshire and as was demonstrated by the last gasp survival of first division cricket there is clearly a wonderful spirit as well.

“I would like to thank everyone at the club for welcoming me in so warmly and I really do believe that Warwickshire are building a team that will be a force in coming seasons.”

Mason enjoyed a 10-year playing career with Worcestershire before taking up coaching with The Pears and later Leicestershire CCC before heading to Perth in 2019. First Team Coach Mark Robinson said he understood Matt’s reason for leaving.

He added: “Matt’s an excellent bowling coach, we’ve seen that in the few months he’s been with us, and he settled into the squad seamlessly.

“Naturally I’m disappointed to see him go but I understand his reasons. He’s leaving for an international role with England Women, it’s hugely exciting for him and I wish him well.”