Fitzpatrick lands coaching award

She has an outstanding knowledge of the game James Sutherland on Fitzpatrick

World Cup winner Cathryn Fitzpatrick has become the first woman to be awarded a coaching scholarship by the Australian Sports Commission.

She is taking a 12-month break from her job as a postwoman and will work with the men's and women's elite squads at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

"Cathryn stood out as someone with a real future in coaching.

"We had no hesitation nominating her for the position," said Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland.

Fitzpatrick, 37, is the fastest bowler in women's cricket.

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She recently helped Australia regain the Women's World Cup in South Africa with a 98-run victory over India in the final.

"I have been involved in cricket as a player for over 20 years and as a coach for the past 10 years.

"I'm passionate about the game and I see coaching as one way to continue my association well into the future," she said.

"Good coaches are vital to make sure players continue to develop and improve and I'm looking forward to being involved in the programme over the next 12 months."