Charlotte Edwards, the former England captain, has been named the new head coach of the England women’s cricket team, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday.
The 45-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in the sport, steps into the role just weeks after Jon Lewis was sacked following England’s disastrous 16-0 Women’s Ashes series defeat in Australia earlier this year.
Edwards, who captained England for a decade during her illustrious 20-year playing career, won five Ashes series and two World Cups before retiring in 2017. Since then, she has forged a stellar coaching career, leading Southern Vipers, winning the inaugural Hundred with Southern Brave, and claiming India’s Women’s Premier League title with Mumbai Indians.
“I am thrilled to be part of the leadership of England women’s cricket again, and I’m eager to push this team forward to success,” Edwards said in an ECB statement. She will now leave her role as Hampshire coach to take up the national job.
ECB managing director Clare Connor hailed Edwards as the “outstanding candidate” for the position.
“She is a proven winner, and her experience, passion, and expertise make her the perfect leader to take this team forward,” Connor said.
One of Edwards’ first major tasks will be selecting a new England captain after Heather Knight stepped down in the wake of the Ashes review. Possible candidates include Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, and even uncapped young talent Grace Scrivens.
England, who last won a global title at the 2017 ODI World Cup, face white-ball series against West Indies and India before competing in the 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
Edwards’ tenure officially begins with England’s opening match against the West Indies in Canterbury on May 21. The ECB has yet to announce who will lead the team on the field.
