Taylor made to find England stars
THE ECB have plumped for a “youngster” after naming James Taylor as the latest England selector yesterday. The former Test batsman,
28 (left), who was forced to retire with a lifethreatening heart condition in 2016, becomes part of a three-man panel alongside chief selector Ed Smith and coach Trevor Bayliss.
And England hope to tap into his knowledge of the county scene in order to identify the next big stars. He replaces his former coach at Notts Mike Newell,
53, who is stepping down after four years. Smith said: “James has a deep knowledge of the game at domestic and international level and was the outstanding candidate. “His early retirement has brought a unique opportunity for the game and he can bring his recent experiences and insights to selection as we seek to identify the best players to drive forward England’s teams in all formats.”
Taylor played seven Tests and 27 ODIs for England before his career was cut short by arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
He has since been working in the media and coaching England Under-19s. He was one of six former players named as England scouts in May.
He will be keeping a close eye on England’s white-ball side at Lord’s today as they attempt to level the Royal London series against India following Thursday’s eight-wicket hammering.
And batting coach Graham Thorpe is confident they can work out left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and level the three-match series.
“It’s not like the guys can’t pick him,” he said.
“But it is about being proactive with movements at the crease as well so if you don’t pick him, you’re still in a good position to play him anyway.”