Jon Lewis, the former head coach of the England women's cricket team, has been relieved of his duties following a comprehensive review of the team's performance during their recent tour of Australia. Appointed in November 2022, Lewis's tenure was cut short after England suffered a humiliating defeat, losing every match in an Ashes series for the first time since the introduction of the multi-format points system in 2013. It coincided with the supervision of Clare Connor, England’s director of women’s cricket.
The unexpected outcome proved to be a crushing blow for Lewis. He had been leading the team for less than a year. Before that, he had been head coach of the England A side. Internationally, besides coaching the associate team Scotland, he served as the England men’s team fast-bowling coach. His formal appointment as head coach followed that decision to step up himself, moving up from assistant for Aussie Lisa Keightley more than three years ago. He led England to a drawn Ashes series with Australia this summer. Under his leadership, that mighty juggernaut of a team was criticized for failing to make the final in two successive T20 World Cups.
In his fiery statement after his removal, Lewis could no longer hold back his disappointment. He took stock of one of the most successful tenures on the commission.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as England 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."
Clare Connor acknowledged Lewis's contributions to the team, highlighting his role in creating a competitive and entertaining brand of cricket that attracted record crowds.
"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," Connor stated.
Despite these accomplishments, the trophy drought that extends back to England's 2017 World Cup triumph remained unbroken under Lewis's leadership. As the first casualty of the tour, his exit underscores the challenges faced by the team in maintaining competitive dominance on the international stage.
Lewis was succeeded by a new coach who will face immediate challenges, including home white-ball series against West Indies and India this summer. The new appointee will have to lead England into the 50-over World Cup in India this autumn. This role would provide an opportunity to reverse a string of recent failures and help deliver some silverware.
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