“I’m proud to have been involved in both the women’s and men’s programs…it has been a fantastic experience and opportunity.”

Lachlan Stevens will step down as the Melbourne Renegades WBBL and Victoria women’s coach at the end of the season with the WNCL final against Queensland his final match.

Stevens has been in the joint role for one season having taken over from Tim Coyle (WBBL) and David Hemp (Victoria). He is returning to his native Queensland for personal reasons.

Stevens has held numerous roles in Victoria cricket and has also been part of three Sheffield Shield titles, a domestic one-day title and the Renegades’ 2018-19 BBL title.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades – the players, my fellow coaches, support staff – everyone who has made this such an enjoyable place to do what we do,” Stevens said. “I’m proud to have been involved in both the women’s and men’s programs – from the inception of WBBL through to Shield titles with the men’s team. It has been a fantastic experience and opportunity.”

Cricket Victoria general manager Shaun Graf said: “Lachlan’s transition between our programs over the last five years is testament to his ability to build great relationships and get the best out of cricketers – regardless of what stage they are at in their careers.

“He’s a coach of outstanding character, a terrific mentor and a great exponent of skill acquisition for young cricketers.”

Melbourne Renegades general manager David Lever lauded Stevens’ role amid the increasing professionalism of the women’s game. “He’s taken first time professional cricketers and guided them all the way through to the national team. Lachlan has led with integrity, empathy and grace mixed with immense tactical and technical cricketing knowledge.”

Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades will commence the process for securing a new head coach shortly.