'I walked from Bondi to Coogee': England coach sacked after historic Ashes thumping, bizarre remark
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The man who was head coach of England's women's team during its historic 16-0 Ashes thrashing at the hands of Australia Down Under has been sacked.
Jon Lewis was contracted as head coach until the end of 2026 but has parted ways with the team, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Friday night (AEDT).
Early in February, after Australia consigned England to the first-ever 16-0 defeat in the multi-format series, the ECB announced it would carry out a "thorough" and "honest" review.
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That review has now resulted in Lewis, who had taken up the position in November 2022, losing his job.
Lewis attracted widespread criticism and ridicule when he remarked at the completion of the Ashes series' white-ball matches that Australia's outdoorsy lifestyle gave Alyssa Healy's team an advantage.
"You guys need to come watch [the team train]. I promise you, I cannot defend them more around how hard they work on their physicality," Lewis said after England was belted by 72 runs at Adelaide Oval in the third and final T20.
"They are incredibly dedicated to what they do. I've never seen a cricket team work like this cricket team, and I've worked in professional cricket for 31 years.
Jon Lewis watches on during the 2024-25 Women's Ashes in Australia. Getty
"I walked from Bondi to Coogee last Sunday evening and pretty much every Australian in the eastern suburbs is in the water, doing surf life saving, playing touch rugby.
"For me, that's a cultural difference. I definitely think Australia have an advantage in terms of athleticism, and also our talent pool at the moment is small, so it's important for us to grow the game."
England won 52 of 73 matches in Lewis' time in charge, and sits second to Australia in the International Cricket Council's T20 and ODI rankings.
Prior to becoming head coach of the women's team, Lewis was the pace-bowling coach for the England men's Test and white-ball squads.
The former quick took 849 wickets in a terrific first-class career, and represented England on 15 occasions in Test, ODI and T20 cricket.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as England women's head coach," Lewis said in an ECB statement.
"Unfortunately I won't be able to finish this incredibly challenging but enjoyable job of developing this young team, whilst winning and growing the women's game in this country.
Jon Lewis pictured during the Women's Ashes. Getty
"I have worked tirelessly with this group of young players to develop their skills and understanding of modern-day white-ball cricket, whilst still making good progress in 2024, winning 83 per cent of all our games.
"I am proud that we have seen unprecedented bumper crowds in 2023 and 2024 and I am determined to continue to help drive women's cricket forward in whatever comes next for me.
"I wish all the players the best and thank them for letting me be part of their journeys."
Clare Connor, the ECB's managing director and deputy chief executive, found a silver lining.
"While the recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup and Women's Ashes in Australia have been disappointing, there is no doubt about the talent we have available, and we will look to appoint a successor shortly," Connor said.
"We must be ready for an exciting summer of international cricket and to challenge for two World Cups over the next 15 months, including the T20 World Cup in this country next year."
