Trailblazer Taylor Strange Amazing England Fielding Milestone
Sarah Taylor has made history in England Cricket, describing her groundbreaking new appointment as a fielding mentor across the senior men’s squad. Speaking ahead of day two of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, the 37-year-old former wicketkeeper reflected on becoming the first woman to coach an England men’s senior team in a major sport.
Breaking Barriers in the Senior Men’s Dressing Room
Taylor arrived in the role after coaching stints with Sussex, The Hundred, and England Lions. “It is a bit strange but what’s brilliant about these guys is that they just call me coach,” Taylor said. “It has been a normal transition into the Lions set-up and then this set-up. The boys have been amazing and I cannot complain at all.”
Refining Jamie Smith Behind the Stumps
A primary focus of Taylor’s work is technical refinement with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. “Jamie has been very clear on what he wants to achieve and where he wants to go with his keeping. He is a project and he knows what he needs to do,” Taylor explained. “We get on extremely well and clicked straightaway, which is a blessing as a coach. I have loved it, it has been an absolute dream.”
Tactical Shifts and Standing Up to Seam
Taylor is encouraging Smith to stand up to the stumps against seamers, reflecting a modern trend. “A few years ago the wicketkeeper standing up was a punch to a bowler’s ego, whereas now it is seen as a real positive,” Taylor noted. As discussions around squad depth continue alongside topics like Why Durham Are Standing by Brydon Carse Amid external noise, Taylor remains focused on sharpening England’s glovework.
