Taylor appointed England men’s cricket fielding coach in historic move
Sarah Taylor’s appointment addresses scrutiny over fielding standards following the Ashes defeat, with the Test series against New Zealand set to begin at Lord’s on 4 June.
Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed as fielding coach for the men’s team, marking the first time a woman has coached an England men’s side in a major sport. The 36-year-old will assume the role for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, which commences at Lord’s on 4 June. Taylor’s playing career spanned 226 appearances between 2006 and 2019, during which she won the 50-over World Cup in 2009 and 2017, alongside the T20 title in 2009.
The appointment follows intense scrutiny of England’s fielding standards during their recent Ashes defeat in Australia. The team’s performance, which included dropped catches at critical moments, raised questions regarding professionalism and tactical approach within the set-up. England did not employ a dedicated fielding coach during the Australian campaign, a gap that has now been filled by Taylor, who brings extensive coaching experience from roles with Sussex, Manchester Originals, and the England Lions.
Rob Key, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, described Taylor as “one of the best in the business.” He highlighted her work with Lions head coach Andrew Flintoff and performance director Ed Barney, noting that both colleagues spoke highly of her expertise. Key indicated that Taylor would continue to work with the team in the future, alongside Carl Hopkinson, who currently holds a position with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League but remains linked to the national setup.
Taylor, who previously stated her desire to work without the limelight, joins a coaching structure that includes head coach Brendon McCullum. McCullum, who took time off following the T20 World Cup in March, will attend a three-day training camp in Loughborough starting 25 May. The squad for the camp includes bowler Ollie Robinson and uncapped players James Rew, Emilio Gay, and Sonny Baker. Former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee will not attend the camp but will return as bowling coach for the series.
To address concerns about discipline raised during the Ashes tour, a curfew introduced for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January will remain in place for the New Zealand series. Key emphasised that the focus remains on allowing players to perform their best game, citing the need to refine rather than alter the approach of top-ranked players such as Harry Brook. The series marks England’s return to Test cricket after their defeat in Australia.
