Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor England’s senior men’s Test team has been appointed fielding coach for the upcoming series against New Zealand, with ECB director of cricket Rob Kay describing him as “one of the best players in the business”. Taylor, regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of women’s cricket, will be a short-lived addition to the England men’s set-up for the series against New Zealand. The 37-year-old has previously worked with the England Lions under Andrew Flintoff and has been involved with the Sussex Men’s team as well as Manchester Originals. His impressive work behind the scenes has now earned him a role with the senior Test team while regular fielding coach Carl Hopkinson is unavailable due to his IPL commitments with Mumbai Indians. Speaking about Taylor’s appointment on Wednesday, Rob Kay said the ECB had been impressed by his methods and coaching style. “I just think she’s the best in the business at what she does. She’s been fantastic, and she’s worked a lot with Andrew Flintoff and Ed Barney (performance director). They can’t speak highly enough of her. So from what we can see, she’s one of the best people in the business,” Kay told the media. “We’ve been absolutely, unbelievably impressed with (Taylor) and the way he goes about his business,” Kay said. He also explained the reason for Carl Hopkinson’s absence from the Test setup for the upcoming series. “Carl Hopkinson, as is the nature of the cricketing world we have at the moment, is working with the Mumbai Indians. He has a lot of things that he does for them, so we will use him at some point, not just for this series.” Taylor represented England in 226 international matches across all formats during an illustrious playing career and is widely respected as one of the best wicketkeepers in the women’s game. Meanwhile, England have also announced their squad for next month’s opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s after a disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat earlier this year. Zack Crowley Dropped after poor form, Durham opener Emilio Gay earns a maiden call-up and is expected to feature as a specialist opener. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman James Reeve are the other uncapped players in the 15-man squad. Fast bowler Oli Robinson has returned to the England set-up after spending two years out of the Test team, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has also been recalled. England squad for first Test against New Zealand: Ben Stokes (Capt.), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Reeve (wicket), Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicket), Josh Tong.
