Australia lock in Shelley Nitschke through 2029 after dominant run as head coach

Cricket Australia has extended Shelley Nitschke’s contract by three years, keeping the architect of Australia’s recent success in charge through four major global tournaments.

Portrait of Shelley Nitschke, head coach of the Australian Women’s Cricket Team, wearing an Adelaide Strikers jersey.

Photo Credit: X Photo of @StrikersWBBL

Australian Women’s Team Head Coach Shelley Nitschke has signed a three-year contract extension that will ensure she remains at the helm of the number one ranked side until at least June 2029.

Nitschke, who was appointed Head Coach in 2022 on an initial four-year deal, will continue to lead the Australian Women’s Team through a significant period on the international calendar, including four major global tournaments and several marquee multi-format series.

Under Nitschke’s leadership, Australia has maintained its position as one of the world’s most dominant teams, highlighted by a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, victory at the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, securing the 2022-25 ICC Women’s Championship and retaining the number one ICC ranking throughout her tenure.

Australia has also continued to hold all bilateral series trophies during Nitschke’s time as Head Coach.

Todd Greenberg, CA CEO said:

“I am delighted Shelley will remain at the helm of the Australian team for the next three years.

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.

Good luck to Shelley and the team with their next challenge at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UK next month.”

Speaking about the decision to extend her contract, Shelley Nitschke said: 

“It’s a privilege to continue coaching this team and working with such an outstanding group of players and staff.

“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.”

Australia’s next campaign will be the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, beginning on June 13. 

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be broadcast live, exclusive, and free on Prime Video in Australia.

Australia warm-up matches

31 May: Australia v South Africa, Arundel Castle

2 June: Australia v South Africa, Arundel Castle

4 June: Australia v South Africa, Arundel Castle

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Fixtures

8 June: ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up match, Australia v England, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

10 June: ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up match, Australia v West Indies, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

13 June: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford, Manchester, 2:30pm local / 11:30pm AEST

17 June: Australia v Bangladesh, Headingly, Leeds, 10:30am local / 7:30pm AEST

20 June: Australia v Netherlands, Rose Bowl, Hampshire, 10:30am local / 7:30pm AEST

24 June: Australia v Pakistan, Headingly, Leeds, 6:30pm local / 3:30am AEST (25 June)

28 June: Australia v India, Lord’s, London, 2:30pm local / 11:30pm AEST

30 June: Semi-final 1, The Oval, London, 2:30pm local / 11:30pm AEST

2 July: Semi-final 2, The Oval, London, 6:30pm local / 3:30am AEST (3 July)

5 July: Final, Lord’s, London, 2:30pm local / 11:30pm AEST

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