Keightley, 48, replaces Mark Robinson and becomes the first full-time female head coach, having coached Australia Women as well as England Women's Academy.

Currently the head coach of Perth Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash League and Western Australia in Australia's domestic competition, Keightley played nine Tests and 82 one-day internationals. 

"I'm massively excited; it's a huge opportunity. It's a team full of world-class players, and to be given a chance to work with some of the players who I worked with a few years ago is exciting. I can't wait to get started and see where we can get to.

"England are the current 50-over world champions, and they made it to the final of the last ICC Women's T20 World Cup," said Keightley.

"They're a very competitive side, and they wouldn't be in big matches like that if they didn't have a really strong group of players who can perform on the big stage. I'm looking forward to getting underway and helping the team progress."

"Lisa was the stand-out candidate from a varied and highly talented group of applicants.

"The interview panel (Jonathan Finch, Connor, John Neal and Tom Harrison) were unanimously impressed by Lisa's demonstration of her suitability for the role, her impressive knowledge of the game and her passion for coaching and developing players.

"She outlined clear plans as to how she believes she can take the team and this group of players forward.

"Lisa will become the first full-time female head coach of the England Women's team. I am excited about the progress our sport continues to make, and I'm sure that Lisa's appointment will rightly be seen as another huge step for women's cricket," said Clare Connor, Managing Director of Women's Cricket.  

Keightley, who was supposed to coach the London Spirit in The Hundred, will now step down and take up her role as head coach of England officially in January.

Alastair Maiden will continue as the interim head coach until then.