England Women’s Cricket Coach Jon Lewis Utilizing Artificial Intelligence for Team Selection: A Game-Changer in Women’s Cricket

In a groundbreaking move for women’s cricket, England Women’s cricket coach Jon Lewis has revealed that he is utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance team selection strategies. The 48-year-old former England paceman shared that the technology, developed by London-based PSi, played a crucial role in his team’s success during last season’s Ashes.

Lewis first encountered the AI system while coaching the UP Warriorz franchise in India’s Women’s Premier League. Impressed by its capabilities, he now relies on it to assist him in making decisions regarding squad composition, team balance, and in-game match-ups between players.

The system works by generating projected outcomes based on the composition of each side, running about 250,000 simulations per team sent to London. This allows Lewis to assess how different line-ups may match up against each other, providing valuable insights for team selection.

While Lewis maintains a “people-first approach,” he acknowledges the benefits of utilizing data-driven insights for making objective decisions. He highlighted a specific instance during last season’s Ashes where the AI system helped with a crucial selection, ultimately contributing to England’s success in the series.

The use of AI in sports is on the rise, with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach recognizing its potential to identify talented athletes worldwide and provide personalized training methods. As technology continues to shape the landscape of sports, Lewis’s innovative approach demonstrates the impact of AI in enhancing performance and decision-making in women’s cricket.