Tom Smith joins England Women’s cricket team as spin-bowling coach

Former Gloucestershire cricketer Tom Smith has been appointed as a spin-bowling coach for England Women ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The 38-year-old retired last summer after an accomplished county career, during which he played a key role in Gloucestershire’s triumphs in the 2015 Royal London Cup and the 2024 T20 Blast. He also finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the T20 Blast.

Following his retirement, Smith transitioned smoothly into coaching. Towards the end of his playing career, he took up a player-coach role before becoming a full-time assistant coach with Gloucestershire. His experience also includes working under Ali Maiden with the women’s coaching staff at Birmingham Phoenix during The Hundred last year.

In his new role, Smith will be part of a well-structured coaching setup led by head coach Charlotte Edwards. He will work alongside assistant coach Luke Williams, batting coach Alex Gidman, bowling coach Chris Liddle, and wicketkeeping/fielding coach Nick Wilton. Smith is expected to play a vital role in developing England’s spin attack, working closely with leading players such as Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, and Linsey Smith.

“I’m delighted Tom is joining us. Tom is hugely respected in the game and was a vastly experienced white-ball bowler who will no doubt share some of his great knowledge. Our group of spin bowlers will benefit massively from his skills and experience,” said Edwards as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire’s director of cricket and predecessor to Edwards, admitted the club was disappointed to lose Tom just before the new season. However, he also expressed pride in having supported Smith’s growth and development as a coach during his time with Gloucestershire.

Smith is set to depart the club after the opening day of their second County Championship fixture against Durham next Friday. In his absence, Shane Jurgensen, currently associated with Wellington Firebirds, will step in as a short-term replacement for the first half of the season while the club searches for a permanent successor.

Meanwhile, England Women have a busy international schedule lined up ahead of the marquee ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which begins on June 12. The team will play bilateral series against New Zealand Women, India Women, and Ireland Women as part of their preparations for the home World Cup.

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the players, staff and supporters for the incredible support both my family and I have received throughout my time at Gloucestershire. It’s been a really special journey. Through some of the toughest moments, the warmth and backing from everyone at the club has meant so much to us, something we’ll never forget,” said Smith.

“The opportunity to coach England Women is an amazing one, and I’m incredibly excited to get started. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant summer, with a home World Cup on the horizon and a T20 series against India. I’ll also be returning to Bristol for the India T20 [on May 30], which will be a really special experience and one I’m very much looking forward to. I’d like to thank Jon Lewis, Mark Alleyne and everyone at Gloucestershire for their understanding and support during this transition. I wish the players, staff and supporters all the very best for the summer ahead and beyond,” he added.