Sarah Taylor has described her pioneering role as the fielding coach for the England men's cricket team as "strange" yet "amazing," expressing her enjoyment in working with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Taylor, a former England women's international and widely considered one of the greatest wicketkeepers ever, joined the senior men's squad this summer. This appointment follows her previous coaching experiences with England Lions, Sussex, and in The Hundred competition.
At 37, Taylor makes history as the first woman to coach a men's national team in any major sport within England.
Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket's Ian Ward before the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, Taylor commented on her role: "It is a bit strange, but what's brilliant about these guys is that they just call me coach."
"That's exactly what you want. I am entering their space, so I have to respect their space. I have genuinely loved it and felt so welcome."
"It has been a normal transition from the Lions setup and then into this setup. The boys have been amazing, and I cannot complain at all."
Jamie Smith: A "Project" with Clear Goals
England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has impressed with his glovework throughout the summer. He has frequently been deployed up to the stumps to seam bowlers, a tactic becoming more prevalent globally and one previously used by Australia and New Zealand against England.
Taylor shared her insights on Smith: "Jamie has been very clear on what he wants to achieve and where he wants to go with his keeping. He is a project, and he knows what he needs to do."
"It involves small adjustments here and there. His ability to stand up to the stumps has definitely improved, as has his movement."
"We get on extremely well and clicked straightaway, which is a blessing for a coach. I have loved it; it has been an absolute dream."
The Evolving Role of the Wicketkeeper Standing Up
Reflecting on the trend of wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps, Taylor noted: "A few years ago, the wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps might have been seen as a slight to a bowler's ego, whereas now it is considered a real positive."
"You are trying to enhance those bowlers' skills, especially when the ball is nipping around and the wicket is helpful for that."
"Wicketkeepers have to get better at this, especially against the speed they are facing."
"Ultimately, that's what Jamie has been working extremely hard on – remaining much more still, particularly with the moving ball."
"Watching some of the wicketkeepers, they are really showcasing their true skills that they couldn't demonstrate as much before."
"That has been very pleasing for me."
