Australia women's head coach Shelley Nitschke signs three year extension

Cricket Australia has extended the senior women's cricket team's head coach, Shelley Nitschke's contract till June 2029 as the team prepares for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. 

Nitschke has an enviable CV as she guided Australia to the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal and the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup title. However, Australia failed to make it to the finals of the T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2024 and were beaten by India in the semis of the ODI World Cup last year. However, they continue to be the No. 1-ranked team in both white-ball formats.

"​It's a privilege to continue coaching this team and working with such an outstanding group of players and staff," Nitschke said after signing the three-year extension. ​"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."

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg is positive that Nitschke would be able to successfully guide the team through the ongoing transition, following the retirement of legends like Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy in recent times.

"I am delighted Shelley will remain at the helm of the Australian team for the next three years," Greenberg said.

​"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."