The Sussex coach Mark Robinson has been appointed as head coach of the England women’s cricket team.

He succeeds Paul Shaw, with Mark Davis taking over from him as first-team coach on the south coast. The 48-year-old is set to take charge in the next few weeks, with February’s tour of South Africa his first assignment.

“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity,” said Robinson, who led Sussex to two successive County Championship titles in 2006 and 2007 and has also taken charge of the England Lions.

“It is obvious to everybody how quickly women’s cricket has grown in recent years – the game is now truly professional in every respect – so to have the chance to play a part in the next chapter for the England women’s team is a great honour.

“I’m also really looking forward to the challenge of coaching in an international environment again.

“It does mean I will be leaving Sussex, and I would like to thank everyone who I have worked and played alongside at the club, as well as the supporters, for providing me with so many happy memories.”

The ECB’s director of England women’s cricket, Clare Connor, added: “He has a superb coaching record with Sussex, experience of working with England teams, a reputation for getting the best out of players, and is highly regarded as one of the best coaches working in the men’s professional game.

“The next 18 months are hugely important for the England women’s team and the players must quickly get back to winning ways in South Africa in February.”