Jon Lewis has left his role as England Women’s head coach, the first casualty of an ignominious winter in which his side failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup and fell to a 16-0 defeat in the Women’s Ashes.
Lewis had led the team since November 2022, in which time England had an up and down time on the field. Generally successful in bilateral cricket, including drawing the 2023 Women’s Ashes in England, they also failed to reach the final of either of the T20 World Cups in that time.
Relations with the media and the English cricketing public became strained towards the end of his tenure, with questions swirling around the fitness and culture of the team. Lewis himself came in for criticism for pointing to the outdoor lifestyle in Australia as a reason for his team’s struggles.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as England Women’s head coach,” Lewis said. “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.”
Those at the ECB thanked Lewis for his service while pointing to England’s struggles in the winter as “disappointing.
“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 of England Women. “He came into the role after a very challenging period for cricketers during the pandemic, and one of his priorities was to create the right conditions for the team to flourish and develop.
“Under his leadership the team held off Australia to draw a thrilling 2023 Women’s Ashes - attracting record crowds with an entertaining brand of cricket – while the team’s consistent success in bilateral cricket included a remarkable eight consecutive ODI series wins for which he should take real credit.
“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.”
Lewis previously worked as a coach for England’s male players, with Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, wishing him the best for the future.
“Jon has given his all for England Women’s cricket, as well as for the Men’s and Young Lions sides beforehand,” said Gould. We are very grateful to him and wish him the best for the future. With India and the West Indies visiting this summer, followed by World Cups in India in the autumn and at home next year, this is an exciting time for England Women. I look forward to seeing this team achieve new heights, and to continue driving the growth of women’s and girls’ cricket.”
The ECB will provide an update on their search for a new head coach in due course, with a review into England’s Ashes whitewash still ongoing.
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