Edwards’ coaching career continues to impress, with her record demonstrating her capacity to elevate teams and achieve success on the biggest stages
Charlotte Edwards, the former England captain, has been named the new head coach of the England women’s cricket team, as announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday. The 45-year-old, who is England’s all-time leading run-scorer, replaces Jon Lewis, who was dismissed in March following a heavy 16-0 Ashes defeat in Australia.
Edwards, one of the most iconic players in English women’s cricket, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Throughout her illustrious career, she represented England in over 300 matches, securing two World Cups and five Ashes titles across a remarkable 20-year playing career. As a leader, Edwards led the England team for a decade, leaving a lasting legacy with her captaincy.
Having retired from international cricket in 2017, Edwards has spent her post-playing career as a coach, honing her skills across various English domestic teams and global T20 leagues. She has enjoyed considerable success with the Southern Vipers in regional cricket, as well as with Southern Brave in The Hundred. Additionally, Edwards has coached the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League and the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League, further establishing herself as a top-tier coach in the women’s game.
Edwards expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, saying in a statement: “I am so delighted to once again be part of the leadership of the England Women’s cricket team, and I cannot wait to take this team forward and drive us to success.” She continued, “It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest once again. Leading England as captain was my life for 10 years, and I will forever be passionate about this team and our legacy.”
The newly appointed head coach is particularly excited about the future prospects of the team. “We have such a talented group of players, and I am excited about working with them and improving them both as individuals and as a team,” she said. Edwards outlined the immediate challenges facing the team, including two home summer series, the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup in India this autumn, and a home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next summer. She also mentioned the long-term goal of preparing for the inclusion of women’s cricket in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, which would be a historic moment for the sport.
ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, spoke highly of Edwards in the announcement. “When we drew up the criteria for the job, it became apparent very quickly that Charlotte was the outstanding candidate,” said Connor. “She has the experience, passion, and expertise to lead this team to success. The results she has achieved as a Head Coach in multiple environments, since retiring as one of the greatest ever England players, are a testament to her relentless drive and the standards she sets for those around her.”
Connor further praised Edwards for her winning mentality, both as a player and as a coach. “She is a proven winner; she has won repeatedly as a player and now as a coach. She possesses a deep knowledge of the game, both in England and across the world, and she understands the importance of creating an environment that is both challenging and supportive.”
Edwards’ coaching career continues to impress, with her record demonstrating her capacity to elevate teams and achieve success on the biggest stages. Her appointment is seen as a significant step forward for the England women’s team, and the ECB expressed its excitement for what lies ahead.
Edwards will take over the role officially and will oversee her first match as head coach against the West Indies at Canterbury on May 21.
The ECB also announced that the appointment of a new women’s captain will be made in due course. This position will be pivotal in helping Edwards implement her vision for the team moving forward, with a fresh leadership structure under her guidance. With Edwards at the helm, England’s women’s cricket team is poised for a new era of success, both on the field and in terms of the long-term development of the sport.
