Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor will make history as the most senior female coach for a major England men's team after being appointed as fielding coach for next month's Test series against New Zealand.
Groundbreaking Appointment
The 36-year-old World Cup winner from 2017 has been part of the England and Wales Cricket Board's coaching setup for two years and served as an assistant coach for the Lions in Australia this winter under Andrew Flintoff. Now she steps into a role with Ben Stokes' side, marking a watershed moment for English cricket.
Rob Key, managing director of men's cricket, praised Taylor's credentials: "She's done a lot of work with 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."
A History of Breaking Barriers
This is not Taylor's first time smashing glass ceilings. She was once called 'the best wicketkeeper in the world' by Adam Gilchrist, who made clear he was speaking without reference to gender. In 2021, she joined Sussex's coaching staff to work with their keepers, and six years earlier she became the first woman to play first-grade cricket in Australia, taking the gloves for Northern Districts.
Taylor will work with wicketkeepers Jamie Smith and James Rew during the three-match series against the Black Caps, replacing Carl Hopkinson, who is involved with the Indian Premier League's Mumbai Indians.
Wider Context
Taylor's appointment follows other trailblazing moves in sport. Former England teammate Alex Hartley worked as spin coach for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, while Ireland's Cath Dalton served as fast bowling coach. In football, FA chief Mark Bullingham has spoken encouragingly about Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman potentially taking charge of the England men's team. Marie-Louise Eta was named interim boss of Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin in April, and Hannah Dingley briefly led Forest Green on a caretaker basis in 2023. In tennis, Andy Murray became the first elite male player to employ a female coach, working with Amelie Mauresmo from 2014 to 2016.
Key added: "From what we can see, she's one of the best in the business. She's stepped up to come and do this and she'll continue to work with the Lions when that's required. She'll be someone that we'll definitely look at and continue to use."
