England Women’s cricket coach Jon Lewis is revolutionizing team selection with the use of artificial intelligence, a move that helped his side square last season’s Ashes series against Australia.
Lewis, a former England paceman, has been utilizing the technology provided by London-based PSi to assist in making decisions about squad composition, team balance, and in-game match-ups between players. The system runs simulations based on different line-ups sent by Lewis, analyzing potential outcomes and matchups between teams.
While Lewis still values a “people-first approach,” he acknowledges the value of data in providing an objective view of potential outcomes and past performances. The AI technology proved its worth during last season’s Ashes series, helping Lewis make crucial selections that ultimately led to England’s success in the T20 series.
The use of AI in sports is becoming increasingly common, with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach highlighting its potential to identify talented athletes worldwide and provide personalized training methods.
Lewis’s innovative approach to team selection has not only helped England Women’s cricket team achieve success but has also caught the attention of other coaches, including England’s rugby union coach Steve Borthwick. As AI continues to play a significant role in sports, Lewis’s use of technology could set a new standard for team selection and performance analysis in cricket and beyond.