Former Sheffield Shield batsman Matthew Mott has been appointed as coach of the world champion Southern Stars women’s cricket team for the next three years.

Mott, who has broad coaching experience in Australia, England and India, takes over from Cathryn Fitzpatrick and will begin his role on March 30 as the side looks towards the Women’s Ashes Series in the UK later this year.

A former Queensland and Victoria batsman, Mott guided New South Wales to Sheffield Shield victory in his first year as coach in 2007-08, before guiding the Sydney Sixers to the Big Bash League title the following season and the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 in late 2009.

He also coached UK county side Glamorgan for a three-year stint and has experience as an assistant coach in the Indian Premier League and at international level with Australia and Ireland.

Mott said he was thrilled to be taking over the reins of a side currently ranked number one in the world in both one-day and Twenty 20 formats.

“I’m really excited about this great opportunity to work with such a fine group of players,” Mott said.

“It really is an exciting time for women’s cricket in Australia, so to have the chance to build on the team’s already impressive playing record is something I’m looking forward to, particularly as we head into the 2015 Women’s Ashes sEries.”

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has announced the 18 players who will be offered CA contracts for the next season.

All 16 contracted players from the end of last year are on the list, in addition to Queensland Fire players Beth Mooney and Grace Harris.