Monty Panesar has called for the new England Women cricket coach to be a female following the sacking of Jon Lewis on Friday.
Former England Test bowler Panesar is the patron of Oxford-based mental health charity Restore which was founded in 1977.
The 42-year-old believes England would benefit from a new approach on the back of the Ashes humiliation in Australia at the start of the year where the team was thrashed 16-0 in the multi-format series.
READ MORE: Cricket legend Jimmy Anderson returning to the stage this autumn
Panesar said: "The outcomes of the matches in Australia have not met expectations, a scenario many had anticipated.
"England could potentially gain from considering the appointment of a female coach who is adept at facilitating open discussions and delivering constructive feedback.
"Such an approach could create a supportive environment that encourages growth and development."
Panesar played alongside Lewis during his time in the England Test team from 2006 to 2013.
Possible replacements will now be weighed up, with former captain Charlotte Edwards an obvious starting point given her history with the national side and an increasingly impressive coaching CV.
She withdrew her name from the hat when Lewis was appointed but has indicated she is keen to help any rebuild.
Clare Connor, managing director of England Women, said: “I’d like to thank Jon for all he has given in his time as head coach.
“Under his leadership the team held off Australia to draw a thrilling 2023 Women’s Ashes – attracting record crowds with an entertaining brand of cricket – while the team’s consistent success in bilateral cricket included a remarkable eight consecutive ODI series wins for which he should take real credit.
“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.”
Lewis expressed pride at his achievements, pointing to a record of 52 wins out in 73 games overall and strong box-office numbers.
“Unfortunately I won’t be able to finish this incredibly challenging but enjoyable job,” he said.
“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.”
Panesar took part in an interactive event at Sixes Social in Oxford's Westgate in partnership with Restore in November.
Share