Shelley Nitschke will continue as head coach of the Australia women’s team after signing a three-year contract extension with Cricket Australia. The new deal carries her through the next major ICC cycle.
From interim role to long-term coach
Nitschke first took charge on an interim basis in May 2022, when Matthew Mott left to work with the England men’s white-ball side. She was confirmed as permanent head coach in September 2022 on a four-year contract.
A record of success
Under her guidance Australia have won the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal, the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2022–25 ICC Women’s Championship. They have stayed at world number one throughout and have kept hold of every major bilateral series trophy.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said he was delighted she would stay on, pointing to her achievements and the way she has kept the team top of the rankings. He also credited her with steering a period of transition as talented young players join the group.
Nitschke said it was a privilege to keep coaching such a strong group of players and staff. She felt a great deal had been achieved, but added that there was big motivation around what the team can do in the years ahead, with major events on the horizon.
World Cup next
Australia’s next big task is the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June. They are chasing a record-extending seventh title after losing in the semi-finals last time, and open against South Africa at Old Trafford on June 13.
