New deal for Australia coach on eve of Women's T20 World Cup
Shelley Nitschke signs a contract extension with Australia that will see her remain at the helm until at least June 2029.
Australia have received a huge boost on the eve of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup with news that head coach Shelley Nitschke has signed a three-year extension to her contract that will see her remain in charge of the team until June 2029.
Nitschke was appointed as coach of Australia in 2022 and led the side to success at the Commonwealth Games that year before helping the six-time champions to another Women's T20 World Cup title in South Africa the following year.
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Australian captain Meg Lanning and her team celebrated in style as they lifted the trophy at Newlands in Cape Town after beating South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
While the Aussies failed to defend their crown at the most recent T20 World Cup in 2024, Nitschke has done enough to earn a contract extension and has been re-appointed to the role for an extra three years which will take her up until the middle of 2029.
The news comes less than three weeks out from the start of the T20 World Cup in England and Wales and Nitschke is looking forward to seeing what her team can achieve in the coming years.
“It’s a privilege to continue coaching this team and working with such an outstanding group of players and staff," she said.
“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.”
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Australia are drawn in Group 1 of the T20 World Cup, alongside South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
In their tournament opener, the Aussies will lock horns against the Proteas on June 13 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Australia squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Nicola Carey, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham. Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson
Australia’s T20 World Cup fixtures (group stage)
v South Africa: June 13, Manchester, 2:30 PM
v Bangladesh: June 17, Headingley, 10:30 AM
v Netherlands: June 20, Hampshire Bowl, 10:30 AM
v Pakistan: June 23, Headingley, 6:30 PM
v India: June 28, Lord’s, 2:30 PM