Jon Lewis has stepped down as the head coach of the England Women’s cricket team on Friday (March 21). Jon Lewis had been in charge since November 2022 and guided England Women to 52 wins in 73 matches across the formats in the international arena.
His resignation came in the wake of the England Women’s cricket team’s disappointing performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Women’s Ashes in Australia. Under Lewis’ leadership, they climbed to second place in the ICC rankings for both T20I and ODI cricket.
Jon Lewis steps down as England Women’s head coach after poor performances
Before becoming England Women’s head coach, Lewis worked as the elite pace bowling coach of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), helping the England men’s cricket team. He also previously coached the Young Lions and was part of Sussex’s coaching staff.
As a player, he had a 19-year career, taking over 1,200 wickets for Gloucestershire, Surrey, and Sussex. He also played 15 international matches for England. The ECB said that they will share updates on the new head coach for the women’s team soon.
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I won’t be able to finish this incredibly challenging but enjoyable job: Jon Lewis
Jon Lewis said in an official ECB statement, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as England Women’s Head Coach. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to finish this incredibly challenging but enjoyable job of developing this young team while winning and growing the women’s game in this country.”
Lewis added, “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.”
ECB CEO hails Jon Lewis’ contribution to England Women
Meanwhile, ECB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gould praised Lewis for his dedication to England Women’s cricket, as well as his contributions to the Men’s and Young Lions teams. He thanked Lewis for his efforts and wished him success in the future.
Richard Gould stated, “Jon has given his all for England Women’s cricket, as well as for the Men’s and Young Lions sides beforehand. We are very grateful to him and wish him the best for the future.”
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ECB to announce new coach soon for women’s team
On the other hand, ECB Managing Director Clare Connor acknowledged Lewis’ efforts as England Women’s head coach, especially in guiding the team through a challenging phase after the pandemic. Under his guidance, England played an exciting brand of cricket, drawing the 2023 Women’s Ashes and securing eight consecutive ODI series wins.
Connor admitted that the team’s recent performances have been disappointing, but she noted that the coach is leaving the team after creating a strong talent pool for the women’s team. She noted that the ECB will soon appoint a new head coach to prepare for a big summer, where two World Cups, including the T20 World Cup at home next year, will be held.
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