Australian-born Courtney Winfield-Hill is set to strengthen England's coaching staff this winter, contributing to the team's multi-format tour of South Africa and the Women's Ashes in Australia.
Before transitioning to rugby league, Winfield-Hill played domestic cricket in her home country. After moving to the UK, she excelled in rugby, representing England at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup. Following her retirement from rugby, she returned to cricket as a coach, bringing her expertise to England's player pathways, the Hundred with Trent Rockets, the Women’s Big Bash League, and India’s Women’s Premier League.
Married to England cricketer Lauren Winfield-Hill, who last played internationally in 2022, Courtney has been actively involved in cricket development. She remarked that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has shown significant commitment to nurturing her coaching skills and has made her feel warmly welcomed into the setup.
Winfield-Hill recently coached England’s second-string team during their series in Ireland in September, overseeing three ODIs and two T20s. Currently, coaching Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League, she will join the England squad after the tournament concludes.
The South Africa tour begins on 24 November, followed by the highly anticipated Women’s Ashes starting in January.
Jonathan Finch, England’s director of women’s cricket, highlighted the value Winfield-Hill brings to the team. He noted her pivotal role in developing emerging talent and emphasised her unique perspective, which will drive innovation within the coaching environment during a critical phase for the senior squad.
Winfield-Hill’s appointment adds fresh energy to an already promising period for England's women's cricket team.