Australia extend head coach Nitschke's contract until 2029 ahead of Women's T20 WC
Melbourne, May 25
Australia women head coach Shelley Nitschke has signed a three-year contract extension that will see her remain in charge of the team until June 2029.
The former Australia allrounder took over from Matthew Mott as head coach in 2022 on an initial four-year deal and led the side to success at the Commonwealth Games that year before helping the six-time champions to another Women's T20 World Cup title in South Africa the following year.
Nitschke's new three-year contract, which came less than three weeks out from the start of the T20 World Cup in England and Wales, ensure that she will oversee the next four major global tournaments, including the 2026 and 2028 T20 World Cups, the inaugural women's Champions Trophy in 2027 and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The next three years will also see Australia travel to England for the Ashes in mid-2027, and host their fiercest rivals in early 2029, while they will also travel to South Africa and India for blockbuster multi-format tours in 2027.
"It's a privilege to continue coaching this team and working with such an outstanding group of players and staff," Nitschke said in a statement, ad quoted by cricket.com.au.
"We've achieved a great deal together, but there's also enormous motivation around what this group can accomplish in the years ahead.
"There are some major events and exciting challenges on the horizon and I'm looking forward to helping guide the team through the next phase," she added.
Under Nitschke's tenure, Australia thrashed England 16-0 in the multi-format Ashes last January and have maintained their No.1 ranking in both white-ball formats (no Test rankings exist in the women's game).
"I am delighted Shelley will remain at the helm of the Australian team for the next three years," CA CEO Todd Greenberg said. "Shelley has overseen some outstanding achievements and helped ensure the team's number one world ranking has been maintained throughout her time as coach.
"She is also successfully guiding a period of transition with some brilliant young players joining the team from the large pool of women and girls now participating in our game."
Australia's T20 World Cup squad will travel to the United Kingdom on Tuesday ahead of the tournament starting on June 13.
Australia are drawn in Group 1 of the T20 World Cup, alongside South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
In their tournament opener, the Aussies will lock horns against the Proteas on June 13 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great move by CA. Nitschke has taken them to another level. But I'm more interested in seeing how our Indian women's team performs against them in the group stage. The 16-0 Ashes scoreline is scary though! 😱
The way Australia has dominated women's cricket is incredible. No wonder they want continuity. But also, the BCCI needs to think about long-term planning for our women's team. We have talent but lack consistent coaching structure. Nitschke's extension shows what stability can achieve.
Just hoping and praying India beats them this time. We came close in the previous T20 World Cup but choked. Our batting needs to fire against their pace attack. Still, credit to Nitschke for building such a dominant team. Women's cricket is getting better globally because of standards set by Australia.
India has the potential to surprise everyone in this World Cup. Our young players like Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma can match their aggression. Nitschke has done well but let's not forget - it's easier to coach when you have players like Perry and Lanning in your squad.
Honestly, I feel for our women's team. Being in the same group as Australia is always tough. But we've beaten them before in ODIs and we can do it again. The real test will be handling the pressure in knockout games. Nitschke's Australia rarely choke - that's what makes them champions.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.