Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been named as the fielding coach for the senior men’s Test team ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Director of Cricket Rob Key praised Taylor’s impact, describing her as “one of the best in the business” for the role. The 37-year-old will step into the men’s setup on a short-term arrangement specifically for the New Zealand Tests.
Taylor is widely regarded as one of the standout figures in the history of women’s cricket. Her appointment now brings her into the Test environment at the highest level, building on previous coaching and support roles. Before this new assignment, she worked with England Lions under Andrew Flintoff, and she has also been involved with men’s cricket programmes including a stint with Sussex and work with Manchester Originals.
England’s current fielding coach Carl Hopkinson will not be part of the Test camp for this series, with Key pointing to Hopkinson’s ongoing IPL commitments with Mumbai Indians as the reason for his unavailability. In the meantime, Taylor’s skills are set to be put to use as England prepare for the conditions and demands of Test cricket against New Zealand.
Speaking on Wednesday, Rob Key said the ECB was impressed by Taylor’s coaching methods and the way she approaches her work. Key highlighted her experience working alongside Andrew Flintoff and Ed Barney, the performance director, adding that the feedback about her has been consistently positive. “I just think she’s one of the best in the business at what she does. She’s been outstanding,” Key said to reporters. He also noted the organisation’s strong view of Taylor’s standards and preparation, adding: “We’ve been thoroughly, unbelievably impressed with (Taylor) and the way that she goes about her business.”
Key further explained why Hopkinson will be absent for the New Zealand series. “Carl Hopkinson, as is the nature of the cricket world that we have at the moment, he’s working with Mumbai Indians,” Key said. “He has a lot of stuff that he does for them, so we’ll still use him at some point, just not for this series.”
Taylor’s playing career remains one of the most decorated in the women’s game. She turned out for England in 226 international matches across formats and is still regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers produced by women’s cricket. Her move into the men’s Test coaching group underscores how highly her expertise is valued at the highest levels of the sport.
England name squad for first Test vs New Zealand at Lord’s
Alongside Taylor’s appointment, England have also announced their squad for next month’s opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. The selection comes after a disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat earlier this year, with England looking to respond quickly in the first Test of the new series.
Zak Crawley has been left out following a run of poor form. Durham opener Emilio Gay receives a maiden call-up and is expected to be used as a specialist batter at the top of the order. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew are the other uncapped players in the 15-man group.
Fast bowler Ollie Robinson returns to the England Test setup after spending two years away from the side, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has also been recalled. England squad for first Test vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew (wk), Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue.
