Sarah Taylor reflects on her groundbreaking appointment as the England men's fielding coach, describing the experience as both "strange" and "amazing" while expressing genuine enthusiasm for collaborating with wicket‑keeper Jamie Smith. A former England women's international and widely regarded as one of the finest wicket‑keepers in modern cricket, Taylor stepped into the senior men’s coaching set‑up this summer after successful spells with the England Lions, Sussex County Cricket Club, and a stint in The Hundred competition.
At 37, Taylor has the distinction of being the first woman to hold a coaching position with an England men's national side in any major sport. In a candid interview with Sky Sports Cricket’s Ian Ward ahead of day two of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, she explained how the role feels "a bit strange" but also highlighted how the players simply refer to her as "coach," which she finds both affirming and empowering. "That's exactly what you want," she said. "I’m stepping into their environment, so I have to respect their space, and I’ve genuinely loved the welcome I’ve received.
The transition from the Lions to the senior squad has been seamless, and the lads have been fantastic – I have nothing but praise for them." Taylor’s partnership with Jamie Smith has been a particular highlight. Smith, a Surrey wicket‑keeper who has impressed with his near‑flawless glovework this summer, has frequently been asked to move up to the stumps to work directly with the seam bowlers—a tactical shift that mirrors trends seen in Australia and New Zealand, where wicket‑keepers are increasingly positioned closer to the bowler to influence the game’s dynamics. "Jamie is crystal clear about his goals and the direction he wants his keeping to take," Taylor noted.
"He treats his role as a project and knows exactly what he needs to improve. The adjustments we’re making are subtle – a few tweaks here and there – but they’re making a noticeable difference. His ability to stand up to the stumps has certainly progressed, and his footwork is sharper. "We clicked instantly, which is a real blessing for a coach.
I’ve loved every moment; it feels like an absolute dream." When discussing the broader evolution of wicket‑keeping, Taylor observed a shift in perception over the past few years. "A few years ago, a keeper standing up to the stumps was almost a slap in the face of a bowler’s ego.
Today it’s embraced as a genuine advantage," she explained. "The aim is to enhance the bowler’s skill set, especially when the ball is moving quickly off the pitch and the conditions favour such tactics." She emphasized that modern wicket‑keepers must adapt to the increasing speed of the game.
"They need to be more still, particularly when dealing with a moving ball," Taylor said. "Jamie has been working tirelessly on this – staying calm, maintaining a steady stance, and reacting swiftly to subtle changes in the delivery.
Watching other keepers evolve and display skills that were previously underutilised has been incredibly satisfying for me." Taylor’s pioneering role also carries symbolic weight beyond the technical aspects of coaching. By breaking into a traditionally male‑dominated arena, she is paving the way for future female coaches across all sports in England. Her presence signals a growing acceptance of diverse perspectives in elite performance environments and underscores the value of expertise over gender.
Beyond the day‑to‑day coaching duties, Taylor has been involved in broader fielding strategy sessions, analysing video footage, and designing drills that target specific weaknesses in the England batting line‑up’s fielding standards. She works closely with the head coach and the bowling unit to ensure that field placements and catching techniques complement the overall game plan. Her background as a top‑level wicket‑keeper gives her a unique insight into hand‑eye coordination, anticipation, and the mental resilience required to succeed under pressure. The collaboration with Smith extends into off‑field mentorship as well.
Taylor helps him set measurable targets for his keeping, monitors progress through performance analytics, and provides feedback on his technique during practice sessions. Their rapport has fostered a culture of open communication, where constructive criticism is welcomed and celebrated as a pathway to improvement. Looking ahead, Taylor is optimistic about the impact her role will have on the England men’s side and on the sport’s coaching landscape as a whole.
She believes that the integration of diverse coaching voices can only strengthen the team’s adaptability and creativity. "The boys have been amazing, and I can’t complain at all," she concluded with a smile. "This journey has been extraordinary, and I’m excited to see where we go from here."