Australia has kept the faith in Shelley Nitschke, signing the women's national coach to a new three-year deal ahead of the 2026 Twenty20 World Cup.

Nitschke's contract extension comes despite the world's No.1-ranked side failing to make the final at either of the most recent 50-over or T20 World Cups.

Last year's unsuccessful title defence at the 50-over World Cup marked the first time since 2017 Australia failed to hold either trophy.

In 2024, Australia missed the final of the T20 World Cup for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 2009.

Australia's dominance of bilateral series has meant the team has maintained its spot atop the ICC's One Day International and T20 rankings throughout Nitschke's tenure.

Nitschke took the reins from Matthew Mott in 2022 and is now tied to the team until at least June of 2029.

Her new deal will encompass the 2028 Olympics, where cricket will be included for the first time since 1900.

The 2027 T20 Champions Trophy, to be played in Sri Lanka, and the 2028 T20 World Cup will be other major items on the calendar for Nitschke and the team to navigate.

"It's a privilege to continue coaching this team and working with such an outstanding group of players and staff," Nitschke said.

"We've achieved a great deal together, but there's also enormous motivation around what this group can accomplish in the years ahead."

The T20 World Cup that begins in the UK next month marks Australia's next opportunity to reclaim a major trophy, with new captain Sophie Molineux to lead the side at her first ICC tournament.