Sydney, Jun 25 (IANS): Cricket Australia has let go of its head of female engagement Sarah Styles as part of its cost reduction drive due to the coronavirus pandemic. The role is one of 40 positions that CA is looking to let go of due to the financial crisis that it says it's facing due to the pandemic.

Styles joined CA in 2014 and the women's game has seen considerable growth in the country. Earlier this year, Australia won the T20 World Cup in front of a record attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"Cricket Australia has been a pioneer in female engagement in sport and Sarah has been at the forefront of that strategy," CA said in a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

"While we are sorry to see Sarah go, her work embedding female engagement across the organisation means we are well placed for continued success.

"A cross-functional committee sponsored by the executive team will continue to oversee this strategy. Cricket Australia remains absolutely committed to engaging females, as fans, players, participants and employees.

"We thank Sarah for her outstanding contribution to Australian cricket and wish her well in her future endeavours."

The decision also comes a week after a survey undertaken by True North Research found that the Australian women's team endears to the people of the country the most.