Coach Jon Lewis has been appointed as the new Women’s Head Coach for London Spirit, bringing his vast experience and expertise to the Hundred franchise for the 2026 season. Lewis, who previously served as the head coach of the England Women’s cricket team, will work closely with Heather Knight, who was recently named as the team’s Women’s General Manager. Together, they will be responsible for shaping the future of London Spirit Women and ensuring sustained success both on and off the field.

This exciting partnership reunites two familiar faces from England’s national team setup, where they worked together on various occasions. Jon Lewis will focus on team selection, performance strategies, and staff appointments as London Spirit look ahead to the upcoming season. One of the key aspects of his role will be collaborating with Knight on player auctions and finalizing the squad ahead of the 2026 edition of The Hundred.

Jon Lewis comes to London Spirit with a wealth of experience in both domestic and international women’s cricket. As the former England Women’s head coach, Lewis played a pivotal role in leading the team to the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup and guiding them through a series of memorable series wins. Under his leadership, England Women defeated India in an away T20I series and enjoyed an unbeaten summer against Pakistan and New Zealand in 2024.

Lewis’s Experience in Franchise Cricket

In addition to his international coaching career, Coach Jon Lewis has made significant strides in the world of franchise cricket. He was the head coach of UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) since its inception until earlier this year. His time with UP Warriorz further strengthened his credentials as a successful leader in the women’s game, and his transition to London Spirit marks another important step in his career.

Lewis’s versatility as a coach is evident not only in his work with women’s teams but also in his involvement with men’s cricket. His time as the ECB’s elite pace bowling coach, working with England Men during their 2021-22 Ashes tour, has given him a well-rounded approach to coaching at the highest levels of the sport.

One of the most exciting aspects of Coach Jon Lewis’s appointment is his reunion with Heather Knight. The two have previously worked together during England’s Ashes campaign, and Lewis’s leadership alongside Knight’s on-field contributions helped shape the team during their successful period. As the new Women’s General Manager of London Spirit, Knight will play a pivotal role in the squad’s development, including working with Lewis on player recruitment and team management.

The Future of London Spirit Women

Coach Jon Lewis’s appointment is a significant move for London Spirit as they aim to build a strong and competitive squad ahead of the 2026 season. Lewis is determined to create a team full of talent and character, and he is excited about the opportunity to bring that vision to life at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

“I am looking forward to building a team packed with talent and character, playing cricket that Spirit fans coming to Lord’s will get behind as we aim to win a second title this summer,” said Lewis upon his appointment. His focus on creating a strong team culture and developing players both on and off the field will be crucial to London Spirit’s long-term success. With the 2026 edition of The Hundred on the horizon, Coach Jon Lewis’s leadership and collaboration with Heather Knight are expected to drive London Spirit to new heights.

Director of Cricket Mo Bobat on Jon Lewis

Mo Bobat, London Spirit’s Director of Cricket, expressed his excitement at welcoming Jon Lewis to the franchise. Having worked with Lewis in the past, Bobat is confident that his experience and leadership qualities will have a positive impact on the women’s team.

“I’m delighted to have Jon joining London Spirit as our Women’s Head Coach. I know first-hand his capabilities as a coach and his qualities as a person. He has a fantastic breadth of experiences, across both the women’s and men’s games, which will stand us in good stead in our pursuit of sustained success,” said Bobat.

Bobat also highlighted the potential of the professional partnership between Lewis and Knight, emphasizing that their combined experience will help the franchise achieve its long-term goals.

As London Spirit moves into the 2026 season, Coach Jon Lewis’s appointment signals a fresh start for the franchise. With his wealth of experience and the strategic partnership with Heather Knight, the team will look to build a squad capable of challenging for the title. London Spirit’s commitment to success and their ambition to establish a winning culture will be key drivers in the upcoming season.