In a bold bid to revive the side’s fortunes ahead of a major tour to South Africa later this year, England have appointed former Australia batsman Marcus North as national selector and former England women wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor as men’s fielding coach.
Taylor’s appointment is viewed as groundbreaking, with the 36-year-old becoming the most senior female coach attached to a major England men’s sports team.
A World Cup winner in 2017, Taylor recently impressed while working with the England Lions under Andrew Flintoff.
“She’s done a lot of work in the Lions,” said England managing director Rob Key. “We’ve been thoroughly, unbelievably impressed with her and the way that she goes about her business.
“I just think she’s one of the best in the business at what she does.”
Meanwhile, North takes over as selector after eight years as director of cricket at Durham, the county captained by England Test skipper Ben Stokes.
“It is a tremendous honour to be entrusted with a role of such responsibility,” said former Aussie North.
England have a packed schedule which starts with a Test series against New Zealand next month, followed by visits by India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
England then travel to Australia for an ODI and T20 series, before arriving in South Africa at the end of the year for a three-Test series and a three-match ODI series.
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