Lydia Greenway has stepped down as coach of the Kent Women’s team.

Appointed in January 2017, the former England and Kent batsman has worked hard to continue the successful history of Kent Women.

The 33-year-old left-hander retired from international cricket in 2016 after a 13-year career and 225 appearances for England.

The Farnborough-born Greenway was also one of the first Kent Cricket Academy graduates, in the first intake with fellow Kent and England batsman Joe Denly.

After retiring from the game, Greenway moved into coaching, setting up her nationwide company “Cricket for Girls” and taking over from Charlotte Edwards to lead the Kent Women.

Since her appointment, Greenway has been challenged with a youthful squad and has done brilliantly to integrate this youth with the experienced internationals in the squad.

Her work showed real dividends this past season with a much improved third-place finish in both the Vitality Women’s County T20 and the Royal London Women’s County One-Day Championship.

Speaking of her decision, Greenway said: “It was certainly tough because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role, but more importantly I have enjoyed seeing the squad as a group of players, continue to develop and play some really fantastic cricket.”

Paul Downton,  Director of Cricket at Kent said: “Lydia has been a hugely positive influence for Kent Cricket, as an Academy graduate, international player and more recently as Kent Women’s Head Coach.

“She will be sorely missed by Kent Cricket but goes with our very best wishes and will always be welcome back to her home county.”

Greenway will continue to provide much needed cricket opportunities to many girls across the country as managing director of “Cricket for Girls” and will also pursue further opportunities in media, often seen and heard as a TV pundit.

Kent Cricket will be advertising to find a replacement for Greenway in the coming weeks to appoint someone ready for the New Year.