James Taylor leaves head scout role after four years at the ECB
James Taylor has left his role as head scout at the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The 32-year-old was part of the selection panel that picked England’s first Test squad of the summer alongside the new captain-coach pairing of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, but that proved the last significant contribution of a four-year stint with the governing body.
England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, is looking to reappoint a national selector as part of his ongoing review of the international set-up.
Taylor was forced to retire from playing at the age of just 26 due to a heart condition and was soon appointed as a selector working under Ed Smith in 2018.
He became chief of the scouting network last year after former managing director Ashley Giles ousted Smith and placed previous head coach Chris Silverwood in complete control.
“It has been an honour to hold the position of selector for three years and the last year as head scout,” said Taylor.
“I would like to thank everyone at the ECB for all their support. We have had some fantastic highlights during that period that I will remember forever. The time is right for me to explore new opportunities, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
Key, who currently chairs selection on an interim basis, added: “James Taylor has been a great servant to English cricket both as a player and an excellent administrator over the past four years.
“He has a deep passion for the game and is attuned to the current demands of a modern cricketer, having played with and against most of the England set-up and pathway players.
“Everyone at the ECB would like to thank James for his hard work and dedication and wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
Latest
-
NewsEngland will not alter aggressive approach during Ashes – Brendon McCullum
England face Ireland before their build-up to the Ashes opener will contain days off, training and ‘quality time’.
-
NewsTom Banton inspires Somerset to third win from three at start of Blast campaign
Glamorgan lost regular wickets and were all out for 153 in 19.4 overs.
-
NewsJames Anderson and Ollie Robinson should be fit for Ashes – Brendon McCullum
The England seamers will miss the one-off Test against Ireland, as expected, but should be fit for the Ashes opener.
-
NewsICC chief Wasim Khan accepts Tests and franchise leagues must learn to coexist
Jason Roy last week cancelled his England incremental contract to play in Major League Cricket.
-
T20 BlastTom Banton inspires Somerset to third win from three at start of Blast campaign
Glamorgan lost regular wickets and were all out for 153 in 19.4 overs.
-
County CricketHas ‘Bazball’ taken hold in county cricket? What the numbers tell us
Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes are keen to see their England side’s aggressive approach replicated in the domestic game.
-
EnglandOpening batter Ben Duckett backed to thrive long-term in second England chance
Since his recall late last year, Duckett has been the model opening batter for the regime under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
-
Women's CricketAlex Hartley: Taking indefinite break from cricket was ‘hardest decision’ ever
Hartley announced on her BBC No Balls Podcast on Friday that she had been “struggling mentally” for several months.
-
EnglandEngland will keep embracing risks during Ashes despite ‘blip’ – Daryl Mitchell
England have enjoyed some rousing successes since Ben Stokes and Kiwi favourite Brendon McCullum took over the Test team.
-
Women's CricketAustralia captain Meg Lanning ruled out of women’s Ashes
Cricket Australia said the 31-year-old has been ‘withdrawn from the squad due to a medical issue’.