Lisa Keightley appointed Cricket Australia’s national development lead

Cricket Australia has appointed Lisa Keightley as its national development lead, with the announcement made on September 4, 2026. The position centres on strengthening pathways across the women’s game, with Keightley tasked with working across player, coach and support staff development programs at all levels throughout the country.

Keightley arrives in the role with an extensive coaching record. She served as head coach of the Australian women’s side from 2007 to 2008 and later led England’s women’s team from 2020 to 2022. As a player, she represented Australia across 9 Tests, 82 ODIs and 1 T20I. Cricket Australia confirmed she will continue her duties as head coach of Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League, a position she secured on a two-year extension in June 2026, alongside her new national responsibilities.

Keightley also holds head coaching positions at Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League and at MI London in the Hundred.

What will Keightley’s role at Cricket Australia involve?

As national development lead, Keightley will sit at the centre of Cricket Australia’s efforts to build sustainable pathways from grassroots programs through to international selection. Her remit covers players, coaches and support staff across all levels of the women’s game. Sonya Thompson, head of national development at Cricket Australia, welcomed the appointment. Keightley outlined her own priorities for the position.

“We’re delighted to welcome Lisa back to Australian cricket … Lisa brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked across international, domestic and pathway programs throughout her coaching career. She’s passionate about developing people and helping players reach their potential, and that makes her a great fit for this role,” said Thompson as quoted by Cricinfo.

“My focus will be on supporting players, coaches and staff across the country, helping create positive environments and making sure people have the opportunities and support they need to be their best. I’m really excited to take on this role and contribute to the future of Australian cricket. I’ve been fortunate to work with players and coaches at all levels of the game, and one thing I’ve learned is how important strong pathways and guidance are in helping talent grow and thrive,” said Keightley.

What happens to Keightley’s WPL and Hundred roles?

Keightley took charge of Mumbai Indians in the WPL when a vacancy arose at the franchise following Charlotte Edwards’ appointment as England head coach. In the most recent WPL season, Mumbai Indians recorded three wins from eight matches, finishing fourth and missing the playoffs for the first time in the franchise’s history.

It is understood that Keightley will likely step away from her role as Mumbai Indians head coach as a result of this appointment, though Cricket Australia has not formally confirmed that outcome. Her position as head coach of MI London in the Hundred also remains unresolved, with no timeline provided for a decision. Cricket Australia confirmed that her Sydney Thunder contract, signed in June 2026, remains in place and she will fulfil those WBBL duties concurrently with her national development responsibilities.