Jon Lewis, the coach of the England Women’s Cricket team, disclosed his utilization of artificial intelligence to enhance team selection, citing its instrumental role in aiding his team’s performance during last season’s Ashes.
Lewis, a former England paceman, was introduced to the technology by London-based PSi during his tenure with the UP Warriorz franchise in India’s Women’s Premier League. Now, at 48 years old, he relies on PSi to assist in determining squad composition, ensuring team balance, and strategizing in-game match-ups between players. The system conducts extensive simulations, projecting outcomes based on various team compositions.
“I can submit multiple line-up variations to PSi in London, and they run approximately 250,000 simulations per team I send, exploring all potential permutations throughout the game,” Lewis explained.
“We can simulate teams against hypothetical opposition to assess potential match-ups,” he added. “I first encountered this technology during my time with UP Warriorz, and I believed it could bring value to the England Women’s cricket team.”
While Lewis maintains a preference for a “people-first approach,” he acknowledges the objective insights data provides. “Data offers an objective perspective on potential outcomes and past performances. It aids in making informed decisions regarding selection and match-ups,” he noted.
Lewis, who consulted with England’s rugby union coach Steve Borthwick regarding his use of the PSi model, affirmed its effectiveness during last season’s multi-format Women’s Ashes series against Australia. “AI significantly contributed to our success, particularly in crucial selections,” Lewis stated.
“We identified strengths in Australia’s lineup and tailored our strategy accordingly, which proved pivotal in winning the T20 series and regaining momentum in the Ashes,” he elaborated.
AI’s integration into elite sports is on the rise, with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach highlighting its potential in talent identification and personalized training methods.
