Taylor’s a good judge

JAMEs tAYLOR was a surprise choice to be national selector Ed smith’s full-time assistant, considering he is only 28.

But the former England and Notts batsman has more experience in judging cricketers than many realise. He was hired as a consultant by former somerset chief executive Lee Cooper, with the backing of the board, to carry out a full review of the county’s cricket last year.

taylor’s report was one of the factors that led to a change of structure and the departure of Matthew Maynard, the director of cricket and head coach, because it was felt the two roles were too much for one person. somerset are set to finish second in the Championship this season having survived relegation by a single point in 2017.

Former somerset personnel confirmed taylor had spent time at the club last season before writing a report, although taylor himself and current somerset chief executive Andrew Cornish declined to comment.