In a heartfelt homecoming, Gloucestershire has appointed Jon Lewis, the former head coach of the England Women’s team, as their new Director of Cricket. This marks a significant new chapter in both his personal and professional life. For Lewis, who spent a good part of his playing career with the county, this feels like a return to his roots, a wonderful opportunity to give back to the place that shaped him as a cricketer.
Born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1975, Lewis’ passion for cricket took root early on at Swindon CC and Wiltshire County Cricket Club. He leapt into professional cricket when he joined Gloucestershire in 1995, debuting in first-class matches that same year. Over the next 16 years, he established himself as a key player for the team, known for his right-arm medium pace bowling and strong leadership.
He even captained Gloucestershire in 2006 before moving on to play for Surrey and Sussex, ultimately hanging up his boots in 2014. By the end of his playing career, Lewis had featured in 251 first-class matches, taking an impressive 849 wickets with an average of 26.26, in addition to representing England in 13 ODIs and one Test match.
After retiring from playing, Lewis smoothly transitioned into coaching. He started as the bowling coach for Sussex in 2014 and quickly climbed the ranks to become the assistant head coach. In 2016, he took on the significant role of head coach for England’s Young Lions, focusing on developing the next generation of fast bowlers. His talents didn’t go unnoticed, leading to his appointment as England’s Fast Bowling Coach in 2021.
In February 2023, Lewis took on the challenge of head coach for the UP Warriorz in the inaugural Indian Women’s Premier League. His commitment to fostering player development in a competitive setting shone through during his tenure, which he concluded in June 2025.
At 50, Lewis has a wealth of experience as a seamer, proudly representing both England and Gloucestershire. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m really excited. It’s a place that holds a special meaning for me. It created countless opportunities for me to grow as a player, and I hope I can provide the same opportunities for others.”
Lewis is determined to foster unity and collaboration within the club. He emphasised the importance of teamwork and high standards, saying, “That unity has always been part of the Gloucestershire DNA. I believe it’s crucial to set high standards and ensure that the way we operate each day is consistent.”
Before returning to county cricket, Lewis made a name for himself as the head coach of the England Women’s team, a role he took on during a transitional period for the squad. He aimed to rebuild after the retirement of key players and help integrate new talent into the team.
During his time in that role, Lewis implemented an inspiring and attacking brand of cricket. This shift was evident during the drawn 2023 Ashes series against Australia, where players like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Alice Capsey thrived under his guidance, showcasing a fearless style of play.
Unfortunately, results didn’t always reflect the team’s ambition. Despite some impressive moments, England struggled in the T20 World Cups during his tenure. The 2024–25 Ashes tour in Australia was particularly challenging, ending in a 16-0 whitewash that led to a thorough review and ultimately resulted in Lewis’s departure in March 2025.
Now, back where it all started, Lewis is responsible for overseeing Gloucestershire’s cricketing operations, managing both the men’s and women’s programs. His mission is to shape and deliver a cohesive cricketing vision that ensures consistent player development at every level.
For Lewis, this position is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to rebuild connections and align his coaching philosophy with the values of the county he loves. His journey from being a Gloucestershire stalwart to an international coach and back reflects a full-circle story of resilience and reinvention.
Loves all things female cricket