In a historic move, former England women’s wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the men’s team’s fielding coach for the Test series against New Zealand next month.
Taylor, a 2017 World Cup champion, most recently served as Andrew Flintoff’s assistant coach for the England Lions men’s second-string squad.
However, as the most senior female coach with a major England men’s sports team, the 36-year-old has made history.
Taylor, who was previously referred to as the “best wicketkeeper in the world” by legendary Australian gloveman Adam Gilchrist, joined Sussex’s coaching team in 2021 and went on to manage Manchester Originals, a Hundred franchise, the following season.
Taylor made Australian history in 2015 by being the first female player for Northern Districts in first-grade, or senior club, cricket.
Beginning on June 4, Taylor will assist England in their three-Test series against New Zealand.
“She’s done a lot of work in the Lions. We’ve been thoroughly, unbelievably impressed with her and the way that she goes about her business. I just think she’s one of the best in the business at what she does,” AFP quoted England’s managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key as saying.
Cath Dalton of Ireland was a fast-bowling coach for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, while Alex Hartley, one of Taylor’s old England teammates, was a spin coach.
In tennis, Andy Murray, a three-time major champion from Britain, collaborated with Amelie Mauresmo; in football, Marie-Louise Eta was appointed interim manager of Bundesliga team Union Berlin in April.
