England have appointed legendary former captain Charlotte Edwards as their new head coach.
The 45-year-old, England’s all-time leading run-scorer, replaces Jon Lewis, who was sacked in March after the 16-0 Ashes hammering in Australia.
Edwards played more than 300 times for England in a 19-year career, including in excess of 200 games as captain.
In a 10-year spell in charge, Edwards won three Ashes series and both the 50-over and 20-over World Cups in 2009.
She was surprisingly sacked in 2016 and replaced by Heather Knight, who then enjoyed her own nine-year reign.
Knight was also sacked in the aftermath of the Ashes debacle but will remain as a player, now under coach Edwards.
“I cannot wait to take this team forward and drive us to success. It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest once again,” said Edwards.
“Leading England as captain was my life for 10 years and I will forever be passionate about this team and our legacy. 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.”
England are yet to name a new captain. Vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has previously stated she would be interested in the role, while off-spinner Charlie Dean said she “wouldn’t say no”.
The upheaval at the top of the England team comes as a result of a review into the Ashes, led by director of women’s cricket Clare Connor.
Realistically, Edwards was the standout candidate to lead a rebuild, with Connor describing her as a “proven winner”. Following her stellar playing career, she has enjoyed considerable success as a coach.
Her Southern Vipers have been the strongest team in English domestic cricket and Edwards’ Southern Brave won the women’s Hundred in 2023.
Overseas, Edwards has led Mumbai Indians to two titles in three seasons at the Women’s Premier League in India. In 2022, Edwards’ Sydney Sixers were beaten in the final of Australia’s Big Bash.
“When we drew up the criteria for the job it became apparent very quickly that Charlotte was the outstanding candidate,” Connor added.
“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, is testament to her relentless drive and the standards she sets for those around her.
“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 will lead England in home white-ball series against West Indies and India this summer, building up to the 50-over World Cup in India in October.
