London [UK], April 1 (ANI): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named ex-captain Charlott Edwards as the new head coach for England’s women's cricket team on Tuesday.
Edwards, a previous captain for England, played more than 300 games for her nation, securing two World Cups and claiming the Ashes five times throughout her extensive 20-year career. Boasting an impressive tally of 10,273 runs in 309 internationals—featuring 13 centuries—she ranks among the most distinguished run-scorers internationally. Edwards took over from Jon Lewis following the team’s disappointing performance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 and their lopsided loss to Australia during the women's Ashes series abroad.
"Charlotte Edwards has been announced as the new Head Coach of the England Women's team by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board)," the ECB said in a release.
Following his retirement from play in 2017, Edwards has taken up coaching roles both domestically in England and internationally within various T20 leagues. He has achieved notable successes with teams such as the Southern Vipers in regional competitions, the Southern Brave during The Hundred tournament, the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League, and the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League.
Charlotte Edwards said: "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.
Having the three lions on my chest once more holds immense value for me. Being England’s captain consumed ten years of my life, and I remain deeply devoted to this squad and our heritage. Our roster boasts an array of gifted athletes, and I look forward to collaborating with them to enhance their skills individually and collectively as a unit.
"We have the immediate challenge of two home summer series, and then it is straight into the ICC Women's World Cup in India this autumn, with a home ICC Women's T20 World Cup next summer. There is also the mouth-watering prospect of the first-ever Olympics for women's cricket in LA 2028. I am relishing the prospect of winning trophies and taking this team forward."
The ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, stated: "Upon establishing the requirements for this position, it swiftly became clear that Charlotte stood out as the exceptional choice among candidates."
She possesses the experience, enthusiasm, and skill set necessary to guide this team towards victory. Her accomplishments as a Head Coach across various settings, following her retirement as one of England’s premier players of all time, underscore her unyielding motivation and the high standards she maintains for everyone surrounding her.
She is a verified champion who has consistently triumphed both as a player and now as a mentor. Her understanding of the sport runs deep, encompassing experiences from England to global stages, and she grasps the significance of fostering an atmosphere that challenges yet supports her team.
We are thrilled to welcome her as the Head Coach of the England Women's team, and we are extremely excited about the future ahead.
Edwards comes to the ECB from Hampshire. She will take charge of England Women's team for the first time on May 21 against West Indies in Canterbury. The appointment of the new captain for England Women will be made later. (ANI)
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