Cricket Australia has appointed Lisa Keightley as its national development lead, announcing the move on September 4, 2026. She will work across development programmes at different levels of the Australian women’s game, aiming to strengthen pathways and help emerging players and coaches fulfil their potential.
Experience on both sides
Keightley coached the Australian women’s team from 2007 to 2008 and England’s women between 2020 and 2022. As a player she appeared for Australia in nine Tests, 82 ODIs and one T20I.
Cricket Australia’s head of national development, Sonya Thompson, welcomed the appointment and pointed to Keightley’s background across international, domestic and pathway programmes. Keightley said she was excited to come back to Australian cricket in this capacity and stressed the value of positive environments and giving people guidance and opportunities to succeed.
Sydney Thunder role continues
She remains head coach of Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League, having signed a two-year extension in June 2026. Her new job involves supporting players, coaches and staff nationwide and building sustainable routes from grassroots to international level.
WPL and Hundred uncertain
Keightley also coaches Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League and MI London in The Hundred. Reports suggest she is likely to leave the WPL post, but Cricket Australia has not confirmed this, and there is no announced timeline for her MI London position.
For now, only the Sydney Thunder role is confirmed alongside her new national duties.
