Jon Lewis has left his post as England Women head coach following the winter’s disastrous Ashes tour.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been conducting an internal review following the abysmal showing, which saw the tourists whitewashed 16-0 after losing all seven of their matches across the multi-format series.
Prior to that, England had also disappointed at the Women’s T20 World Cup, failing to get out of the group in a tournament eventually won by surprise package New Zealand.
England are yet to unveil a successor but will do so “shortly”, with little more than six months to go until the 50-over World Cup in India.
World Cup-winning captain Charlotte Edwards, who has had huge coaching success in franchise cricket, has been linked with the job.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as England Women’s Head Coach,” said Lewis. “Unfortunately I won’t be able to finish this incredibly challenging but enjoyable job of developing this young team, whilst winning and growing the women’s game in this country.
“I have worked tirelessly with this group of young players to develop their skills and understanding of modern-day white-ball cricket, whilst still making good progress in 2024, winning 83 per cent of all our games.
“I am proud that we have seen unprecedented bumper crowds in 2023 and 2024 and I am determined to continue to help drive women’s cricket forward in whatever comes next for me. I wish all the players the best and thank them for letting me be part of their journeys.”
Lewis, who had previously been working as a bowling coach with the England men’s side, took charge in November 2022 and oversaw a remarkable Ashes fightback during the home summer of 2023, which saw England salvage an 8-8 draw from 6-0 down, though Australia retained the Urn.
However, the team have gone backwards over the past 12 months and this winter’s failures brought fresh scrutiny.
“I’d like to thank Jon for all he has given in his time as Head Coach,” said Clare Connor, the ECB’s managing director for women’s cricket.
“While the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Women’s Ashes in Australia have been disappointing, there is no doubt about the talent we have available and we will look to appoint a successor shortly.
“We must be ready for an exciting summer of international cricket and to challenge for two World Cups over the next 15 months, including the T20 World Cup in this country next year.”
