Essex cricketer on her landmark coaching move to Pakistan

Catherine Dalton played four one-day internationals and four T20s for Ireland and still represents Essex in women's county cricket

The first woman to be employed as a men's cricket fast-bowling coach has said it is "amazing" to be appointed.

Essex cricketer Catherine Dalton will join Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Multan Sultans for their 2024 season and has also become the first female coach at a club in the Asian country.

"I've had to keep it quiet for a few months so it's great now that it's finally broken," she said.

Former England spinner Alex Hartley has also joined the PSL franchise.

Ms Dalton, 31, played four one-day internationals and four T20s for Ireland and still represents Essex in women's county cricket.

She also coaches at Hutton Cricket Club in Brentwood, Essex, and at the National Fast Bowling Academy in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.

"I was on holiday in Greece with friends and I got a text from Ali Tareen (owner of the Multan Sultans)saying 'you need to ring me now'," said Ms Dalton, speaking to BBC Look East.

"I know when he says that it's going to be quite big news."

In a post about Ms Dalton's appointment on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Tareen said he "always knew" she would make history.

Ms Dalton added that she did not see her sex as a barrier.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of working with such talented fast bowlers in such a big competition globally in the PSL.

"I think if you can add value to a player, they don't mind where it's coming from. Biomechanics is biomechanics."

The squads for the PSL - which is a T20 format competition - have not been confirmed yet but the competition is set to begin on 8 February.