Trailblazer Taylor on 'strange' but 'amazing' England fielding coach role

Sarah Taylor first woman to coach an England men's side in a major sport; former wicketkeeper played 226 internationals for England women between 2006-2019; Taylor enjoying watching wicketkeepers standing up to the seam bowlers in Test cricket and says it allows them to show their skills

Sarah Taylor says her landmark role as England men's fielding coach has been "strange" but "amazing" and that she is loving working with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Former England women's player Taylor, regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen, began her role with the senior men's side team this summer, following coaching stints with England Lions, Sussex and in The Hundred.

The 37-year-old is the first woman to coach an England men's side in a major sport.

Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket's Ian Ward prior to day two of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, Taylor said of her job: "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, felt so welcome.

"It has been a normal transition into the Lions set-up and then this set-up. The boys have been amazing and I cannot complain at all."

Smith's glovework has been largely immaculate this summer, with the Surrey man often asked to move up to the stumps to the seamers, a trend in the global game and one Australia and New Zealand have deployed against England in recent series.

Taylor said of the England wicketkeeper: "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 is just little tinkering changes here and there. His stood-up stuff has definitely improved and his movement as well.

"We get on extremely well and clicked straightaway, which is a blessing as a coach. I have loved it, it has been an absolute dream."

On wicketkeepers coming up to the stumps more generally, Taylor added: "A few years ago the wicketkeeper standing up was a punch to a bowler's ego, whereas now it is seen as 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 that, especially against the speed they are facing.