Jon Lewis, the head coach of England’s women’s cricket team, has been dismissed following the team’s historic 16-0 Ashes defeat to Australia earlier this year. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed his departure on Friday night, despite Lewis being contracted until the end of 2026.
In the wake of the unprecedented loss, which marked the first time England had suffered such a comprehensive defeat in the multi-format series, the ECB initiated a detailed review of the team’s performance. This scrutiny has now culminated in Lewis’s sacking. His tenure, which began in November 2022, drew considerable criticism, particularly after he suggested that the Australian team’s outdoor lifestyle provided them with an edge over his squad.
Lewis claimed that Australian players’ commitment to their physical fitness was remarkable, and he noted the cultural differences that might influence athleticism levels between the two countries. Despite successfully leading the team to victory in 52 of 73 matches during his time, England remains behind Australia in ICC rankings for both T20 and ODI formats.
Before taking on the role of head coach, Lewis served as the pace-bowling coach for the England men’s teams and had an impressive playing career, taking 849 first-class wickets and representing England in 15 matches across different formats.
In a statement, Lewis expressed his pride in his role and the extensive effort he put into developing the young players’ skills in modern white-ball cricket. He highlighted the positive turnout at matches in 2023 and 2024 and declared his commitment to advancing women’s cricket in future opportunities.
Clare Connor, the ECB’s managing director, acknowledged the challenges faced in recent tournaments but emphasised the potential within the squad. She noted that the ECB would soon seek a new head coach in preparation for a busy international summer and upcoming World Cups. Connor remains optimistic about the team’s future, stating their aim to harness the talent available for forthcoming competitions, including the Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in England next year.