Jamie Siddons Takes the Helm as Head Coach of Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Synopsis
Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Jamie Siddons as the head coach for their women's team, marking a significant change in leadership. His extensive coaching experience and previous successes set high expectations as Sri Lanka gears up for the T20 World Cup.
Key Takeaways
Jamie Siddons is the new head coach for Sri Lanka women's team.
He has extensive coaching experience, including Bangladesh's senior men's team.
His contract starts on March 16, 2026.
Siddons' first task is the Sri Lanka women's tour of Bangladesh.
The team is gearing up for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) — Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially named former Australian cricketer Jamie Siddons as the new head coach of the senior women's team, as announced by the board on Thursday. Prior to this role, Siddons served as the head coach for the Bangladesh senior men's team from 2007 to 2011.
The Sri Lankan women’s team was previously under the guidance of former men's player Rumesh Ratnayake. “His one-year contract will commence on March 16, 2026. Siddons' initial task will be to lead the Sri Lanka Women’s team during their tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for April–May 2026,” the SLC detailed in their statement.
Siddons holds a Level 3 coaching qualification and has a rich history in first-class cricket, having captained both South Australia and Victoria. He played only one ODI for Australia, scoring 32 runs in a match against Pakistan in Lahore in 1988.
His coaching credentials include head coach positions with the South Australian Redbacks from 2015 to 2020 and the Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand from 2011 to 2015. Additionally, Siddons was an assistant coach for the Australian national team, taking on the role of senior coach at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) prior to the 2005 Ashes.
Looking ahead, Siddons’ primary focus will be to prepare Sri Lanka for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which will take place in England from June 12 to July 5. The Sri Lankan team is coming off a successful ODI series victory against the West Indies, winning 2-1, followed by a 2-0 win in the T20I series, with the first match resulting in no result.
In the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will kick off their campaign in Group 2 against the hosts and 2009 champions England during a day-night match in Birmingham on June 12. They will then face New Zealand in Southampton on June 16.
After two consecutive matches in Bristol against the West Indies on June 21 and Ireland on June 23, Sri Lanka will conclude their group stage against Scotland in a day-night match in Manchester on June 26.
Point of View
The appointment of Jamie Siddons as head coach of the Sri Lanka women's cricket team is a promising move. His rich coaching experience and successful track record could bring a fresh perspective and enhance the team's performance on the international stage.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jamie Siddons?
Jamie Siddons is a former Australian cricketer and experienced coach, recently appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka women's cricket team.
What is Siddons' coaching background?
Siddons has previously coached the Bangladesh men's team and held head coach positions in domestic teams like South Australia and Wellington Firebirds.
When does Siddons' contract with SLC start?
Jamie Siddons' one-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket will commence on March 16, 2026.
What is Siddons' first assignment?
His first assignment will be leading the Sri Lanka women's team during their tour of Bangladesh in April-May 2026.
What are Sri Lanka's upcoming tournaments?
The Sri Lanka women's team is preparing for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, 2026.
