Former New Zealand wicketkeeper and coach Warren Lees has been named as interim coach of the New Zealand women's cricket team.
Lees comes in for Katrina Keenan, who announced her resignation earlier this month. He will begin the role tomorrow and see the side through the home series against the West Indies in late February and the world Twenty20 tournament in March.
Lees played 21 tests and 37 one-day internationals for New Zealand from 1976-1983. He became coach of his former province Otago in 1989 before landing the New Zealand position the following year, a role he held for three years. Most recently he has been coaching the Otago Sparks and will continue until the end of the women's domestic season.
New Zealand Cricket head of cricket operations Lindsay Crocker said he was delighted to find someone with Lees' experience for the role.
"We're thrilled Warren has come on board through to the end of the world Twenty20, in what is a busy time for the White Ferns," Crocker said. "Having spent time as both an international player and coach, Warren brings years of knowledge and experience to the role, which is difficult to find.
"He knows what is required and is passionate about the game. He's got all the right attributes and we're confident he'll do a fantastic job."
Lees' contract will run until April 30, with no long-term decision yet made on the role.
