Jon Lewis has stepped down from his position as head coach of the England Women’s team following the heavy 16-0 defeat in this winter’s multi-format Ashes series.
Lewis has been in charge since November 2022, during which time England Women won 52 of their 73 matches.
Currently, the team is second behind Australia in the ICC world rankings for T20I and ODI cricket.
Following his resignation, Clare Connor, managing director of England women’s cricket and the deputy CEO of the English Cricket Board (ECB), thanked Jon for his services and acknowledged his role in uplifting the women’s team in challenging times.
“I’d like to thank Jon for all he has given in his time as Head Coach. 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, ” she stated.
“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, ” she remarked.
Clare highlighted the talent pool in women’s cricket despite a disappointing campaign in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and Women’s Ashes in Australia.
“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, ” she said.
“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.”
Before becoming England Women’s Head Coach, Lewis had been ECB’s Elite Pace Bowling Coach since 2021, working alongside the England Men’s Test and white-ball teams.
He was previously Head Coach of the Young Lions, having joined the ECB from the coaching staff at Sussex CCC.
Jon Lewis took over 1,200 professional wickets in a 19-year professional career at Gloucestershire, Surrey, and Sussex and played 15 times for his country.
Jon Lewis expressed that he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as England Women’s Head Coach.
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However, he mentioned that he would not be able to complete the challenging yet enjoyable task of developing the young team while also striving to win and grow women’s cricket in the country.
“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, whilst winning and growing the women’s game in this country, ” he remarked.
He stated that he had worked tirelessly with the young players to enhance their skills and understanding of modern white ball cricket, achieving an impressive win rate of 83% in their games during 2023 and 2024.
“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.” he concluded.
Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer stated that Jon had given his all to England Women’s cricket, as well as to the Men’s and Young Lions teams prior to that.
He expressed gratitude for Jon’s contributions and wished 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. We are very grateful to him and wish him the best for the future, ” he stated.
“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, ” he said.
The ECB will update on plans for a new Head Coach in due course.
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