Williams was also Southern Brave's assistant coach when they won their first title in the Women's Hundred this year, and worked closely with Charlotte Edwards. He has also worked with South Australian Scorpions in the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) in Australia.

Mike Hesson left his post as director of cricket - across both men and women's teams - in August, and ESPNcricinfo understands that Sawyer, head coach of the women's team, will also not return next year.

Williams, who played five first-class matches for South Australia between 2000 and 2005, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Sawyer, and the franchise is expected to announce his appointment in due course.

They lost their first five games of the season, effectively ending their qualification hopes, before winning two of their last three matches to finish fourth, ahead of Gujarat Giants.

Additional reporting by Shashank Kishore