England women's cricket team have appointed former Gloucestershire spinner Tom Smith as their new spin-bowling coach, strengthening their backroom staff ahead of a crucial home season and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Smith, 38, retired from professional cricket last summer following a long and successful county career with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. His achievements include winning the 2015 Royal London Cup and the 2024 T20 Blast, while he also ranks among the top five wicket-takers in the competition’s history. Transitioning smoothly into coaching, Smith had already taken on a player-coach role towards the end of his playing days and later served as a full-time assistant coach at Gloucestershire. He also gained experience in women’s cricket, working under Ali Maiden at Birmingham Phoenix during last year’s The Hundred. Within the England setup, Smith will join a coaching team led by head coach Charlotte Edwards, alongside assistant coach Luke Williams, batting coach Alex Gidman, bowling coach Chris Liddle, and fielding and wicketkeeping coach Nick Wilton. Smith is expected to play a key role in developing England’s spin attack, working closely with established players such as Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, and Linsey Smith. He may also contribute to nurturing emerging talent like teenage left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, who has impressed in recent training camps in South Africa. Edwards welcomed the appointment, praising Smith’s experience and reputation in white-ball cricket. “Tom is hugely respected in the game and brings a wealth of knowledge. Our spin bowlers will benefit massively from his expertise,” she said. At Gloucestershire, director of cricket Jon Lewis expressed mixed emotions over Smith’s departure, stating the club was disappointed to lose him but proud of his development as a coach. Smith will leave after the first day of their second County Championship fixture against Durham, with Shane Jurgensen set to step in on a temporary basis. Looking ahead, England Women face a packed international schedule, including series against New Zealand women's cricket team, India women's cricket team, and Ireland women's cricket team. The highlight of the season will be the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on June 12 on home soil. Smith expressed gratitude to Gloucestershire for their support throughout his playing and coaching journey and described the opportunity with England Women as “an amazing one,” adding that he is excited for what promises to be a landmark summer in his coaching career.