Former left-arm spinner Tom Smith has been appointed as an assistant coach with the England women’s cricket team, taking on a specialist role focused on spin bowling ahead of a crucial 2026 campaign.
Smith brings a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career. Across nearly two decades as a professional cricketer, he claimed close to 400 wickets in all formats while representing Sussex, Surrey, Middlesex and Gloucestershire. His transition into coaching began at Gloucestershire, where he initially balanced a dual role as player and coach in 2021 before moving into a full-time assistant coach position in 2025. He has also worked within the women’s game, serving as an assistant coach with Birmingham Phoenix during The Hundred, adding further depth to his profile.
His appointment comes at a key stage in England’s preparations, with a demanding home summer on the horizon. The schedule includes the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, a landmark women’s Test match at Lord’s, and white-ball series against New Zealand, India and Ireland. Strengthening the coaching setup, particularly in specialist areas such as spin bowling, will be vital as England look to maximise their resources. The presence of established spin options like Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean makes Smith’s role especially significant in refining and supporting that department.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards welcomed the appointment, highlighting both Smith’s experience and his ability to contribute to the squad’s development. “I’m delighted Tom is joining us as our spin bowling coach after a professional playing career spanning nearly 20 years as a left-arm spinner, most notably at Gloucestershire, before moving into coaching at the same county and working with Birmingham Phoenix women.”
She also emphasised the respect Smith commands within the game and the value he will bring to England’s spin group. “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.”
For Smith, the opportunity represents a major step forward in his coaching journey and a chance to work at the highest level of the women’s game. “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.”
With a packed international calendar ahead, England’s focus will be on fine-tuning all areas of their game as they prepare for a defining stretch. Smith’s addition strengthens the coaching group at a time when attention to detail and specialist input could prove crucial in a highly competitive season.
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