Tom Smith, the recently retired Gloucestershire left-arm spinner, will link up with England Women as spin-bowling coach in the run-up to this summer’s home T20 World Cup.
Smith, 38, hung up his boots only last season after a county career that spanned more than 15 years, two limited-overs trophies and a stack of wickets that leaves him fifth on the all-time T20 Blast list. Since stepping back from playing he has been part of the back-room team at Bristol and also spent a stint with Birmingham Phoenix in last year’s Hundred.
The ECB have now persuaded him to join Charlotte Edwards’ coaching group, where he will slot in alongside assistant Luke Williams, batting coach Alex Gidman, fast-bowling lead Chris Liddle and keeping/fielding specialist Nick Wilton. His brief is straightforward: sharpen the international spin group of Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean and Linsey Smith before the tournament begins on 12 June. Teenage left-armer Tilly Corteen-Coleman, who caught the eye at a recent camp in South Africa, is also expected to spend time under his wing.
“I’m delighted Tom is joining us,” Edwards said. “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.”
Jon Lewis, director of cricket at Gloucestershire and Edwards’ predecessor in the England Women job, admitted the timing is far from ideal with the county season about to start. Even so, he struck a conciliatory note: the club are, he said, “obviously disappointed” to lose Smith yet “really proud” of the coach he has become. Smith will remain with Glos for the first day of next week’s Championship match against Durham, after which Wellington coach Shane Jurgensen steps in on a short-term deal.
England’s women host New Zealand, India and Ireland before turning full attention to the World Cup. Given the likely dry pitches and short boundaries, quality spin feels more valuable than ever. Smith’s own experience — a canny left-armer who relied on flight, drift and the odd quicker one rather than any mystery ball — seems a good fit.
From Smith’s perspective the move is a chance he felt he could not refuse. “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the players, staff and supporters for the incredible support both my family and I have received throughout my time at Gloucestershire,” he said. “It’s been a really special journey. Through some of the toughest moments, the warmth and backing from everyone at the club has meant so much to us, something we’ll never forget.”
He added: “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. I’ll also be returning to Bristol for the India T20 [on May 30], which will be a really special experience and one I’m very much looking forward to.”
There was one final note of gratitude. “I’d like to thank Jon Lewis, Mark Alleyne and everyone at Gloucestershire for their understanding and support during this transition. I wish the players, staff and supporters all the very best for the summer ahead and beyond.”
If all goes to plan, his handiwork will be on show when England’s slow bowlers take centre stage during the marquee event in June. For now, the focus is on nets, white Kookaburras and plenty of side-spin.
