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Jon Lewis has been axed as England Women’s head coach after the 16-0 thrashing in the multi-format Ashes series this winter.
England lost all seven matches in Australia across January and February, with 3-0 sweeps in the one-day international and T20 international series followed by an innings defeat in the sole Test.
Lewis took charge of the women’s team in November 2022 and won 52 of his 73 games in charge as they team adopted an attacking style, with a highlight securing an 8-8 Ashes draw at home in 2023 as the side fought back from 6-0 down.
England lost all seven matches in Australia earlier this year, becoming the first side to be whitewashed in the multi-format series
He was unable to guide England to a global white-ball title during his tenure, though, with a semi-final defeat to hosts South Africa at the 2023 T20 World Cup followed by a group-stage exit in the 2024 edition in the United Arab Emirates.
England’s tournament-ending defeat to West Indies last year came amid a ragged fielding performance, in which they dropped five catches and looked rudderless with captain Heather Knight off the field nursing a calf injury.
There has been no update yet on Knight’s future as captain after the Ashes debacle.
England play West Indies and India in home white-ball fixtures this summer before travelling to India in the autumn for the 50-over World Cup.
Lewis: I worked tirelessly in this role
Lewis, formerly bowling coach with the England men’s side, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as 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.
“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.
England look on forlornly after their Ashes humbling concluded with an innings defeat in the day-night Test at the MCG
“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.”
Clare Connor, the managing director of England women’s cricket and deputy CEO, said: “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 Covid-19 pandemic and one of his priorities was to create the right conditions for the team to flourish and develop.
Heather Knight’s future as captain remains unclear
“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 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.”
England’s Ashes tour from hell
England’s Ashes campaign was blighted by missteps, with an inability to bat against spin, regular fielding blunders and bizarre words and behaviour criticised.
Premier spinner Sophie Ecclestone refused to be interviewed by former team-mate Alex Hartley after the latter questioned England’s fitness in the wake of the T20 World Cup exit months earlier.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone refused to be interviewed by Alex Hartley during a chastening Ashes campaign
Lewis also suggested that England not matching up to Australia athletically was down to “cultural differences” between the nations, saying their opponents benefitted from an outdoor lifestyle.
Players also insisted England were not far off this all-conquering Australia side but the results told a different story and whoever succeeds Lewis as head coach will not only need to produce results but also win back public support.
Seamer Kate Cross said recently that the Ashes trouncing had probably lost England fans, and the rebuilding process will began with a T20 series at home to West Indies from May 21.
Edwards next as England head coach?
Charlotte Edwards, an Ashes and World Cup winner as England captain, looks a leading candidate to replace Lewis having followed a stellar playing career with success in coaching.
The 45-year-old has won The Hundred with Southern Brave, Women’s Premier League with Mumbai Indians and lots of of silverware with the now-defunct Southern Vipers.
Charlotte Edwards could be a contender to replace Lewis as head coach of the England Women’s side
Edwards has recently been appointed as head coach of Hampshire Women so extricating her from that contract could be tricky, although she told the BBC’s Stumped podcast that she would be willing to help her national side.
“I don’t care who coaches or captains the team, I just want English cricket to get back to where it should be, said Edwards. “We’ve got to use people who know what’s going on to help. I feel I’m in a position to help and support the ECB.
“I’ve got great experience across county level and working in the WBBL, that hopefully somebody will pick up the phone and ask what we need to do to get better.”
Another Jon Lewis, currently head coach of the England Women’s A side, may also be in the running to succeed his namesake.
Ashes results: How England were humbled
England’s summer fixtures
All times UK and Ireland, all live on Sky Sports
T20 international series at home to West Indies (May)
- First T20: Wednesday May 21 (6.30pm) – Spitfire Ground, Canterbury
- Second T20: Friday May 23 (6.35pm) – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove
- Third T20: Monday May 26 (2.30pm) – The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
One-day international series at home to West Indies (May-June)
- First ODI: Friday May 30 (1pm) – County Ground, Derby
- Second ODI: Wednesday June 4 (1pm) – Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
- Third ODI: Saturday June 7 (11am) – The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
T20 international series at home to India (June-July)
- First T20: Saturday June 28 (2.30pm)- Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- Second T20: Tuesday July 1 (6.30pm) – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
- Third T20: Friday July 4 (6.35pm) – The Kia Oval London
- Fourth T20: Wednesday July 9 (6.30pm) – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
- Fifth T20: Saturday July 12 (6.35pm) – Edgbaston, Birmingham
One-day international series at home to India (July)
- First ODI: Wednesday July 16 (1pm) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton
- Second ODI: Saturday July 19 (11am) – Lord’s, London
- Third ODI: Tuesday July 22 (1pm) – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street
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