Jon Lewis has been let go as England Women’s head coach after their comprehensive 16-0 Ashes defeat this year.
A whitewash in Australia was always likely to prompt a change in the hierarchy, with Lewis leaving a little over two years on from his appointment in November 2022.
England won 52 of their 73 matches during Lewis’s stint, as noted in their statement announcing his departure. But a healthy win percentage has not saved him after failure in the biggest moments. Alongside the misery of the Ashes was a group-stage exit at last year’s T20 World Cup, brought on by a six-wicket defeat by West Indies.
The high point of Lewis’s tenure was the 2023 Ashes, when England were victorious in four of the last five matches to win both white-ball series. But the trip to Australia a year and a half later made for an uncomfortable watch, culminating in a thumping innings defeat in the Test match at the MCG that included a drop-heavy display in the field. Speaking after that loss, Lewis claimed he was still “the right guy” to take England forward.
But the tour also prompted Clare Connor, the ECB’s managing director of women’s cricket, to say there would be a “thorough and honest” post-series review. Lewis – part of England men’s coaching staff during their 4-0 Ashes defeat in 2021/22 – has fallen victim to it. An update awaits on Heather Knight after she said she would consider her future as captain.
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“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% 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.”
Charlotte Edwards is an obvious name England could consider as Lewis’s replacement, the former captain having developed a stellar coaching record in domestic and franchise cricket. This month she celebrated winning a second Women’s Premier League title with Mumbai Indians. “It is an ambition of mine to coach England and I’ve made that very public,” Edwards told the Observer in February. “I’d love to do that.”
Connor thanked Lewis “for all he has given in his time as head coach”, adding that he “should take real credit” for England’s streak of eight consecutive ODI series wins that ended in Australia. She added that “we will look to appoint a successor shortly”.
England’s summer begins in May with the visit of West Indies, while a 50-over World Cup in India this year will be followed by the 20-over equivalent at home in 2026.
