Sarah Taylor (Getty Images) Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed as England’s senior men’s Test team fielding coach for the upcoming series against New Zealand, with ECB director of cricket Rob Key describing her as “one of the best in the business”. Considered one of the greatest players in the history of women’s cricket, Taylor will join the England men’s squad on a short-term basis for the New Zealand series. The 37-year-old previously worked with the England Lions under Andrew Flintoff and was also involved with Sussex Men’s and Manchester Originals. Her impressive work behind the scenes has now earned her a role in the senior Test side, while regular fielding coach Carl Hopkinson remains unavailable due to his IPL commitments with Mumbai Indians. Speaking on Taylor’s appointment on Wednesday, Rob Key said the ECB had been hugely impressed by her methods and coaching approach. “I just think she’s one of the best in the business at what she does. She’s been outstanding and she’s worked a lot with Andrew Flintoff and Ed Barney (chief executive). They can’t speak highly enough of her. So from what we can see she’s one of the best in the business,” Key told the media. “We’ve been absolutely, unbelievably impressed with (Taylor) and the way he goes about his business,” Key said. He also explained the reason for Carl Hopkinson’s absence in the Test setup for the upcoming series. “Carl Hopkinson, as is the nature of the cricket world we have at the moment, works with Mumbai Indians. He has a lot of things he does for them, so we will still use him at some point, just not for this series.” Taylor represented England in 226 internationals across formats during a glittering playing career and remains widely respected as one of the best goalkeepers the women’s game has produced. Meanwhile, England have also announced their squad for next month’s opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s after a disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat earlier this year. Zak Crawley was dropped after poor form. Durham’s Emilio Gay has earned his first call-up and is expected to fit in as a specialist. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper James Rew are the other uncapped players in the 15-man squad. Fast bowler Ollie Robinson has returned to the England squad after spending two years away from the Test side, while netballer Rehan Ahmed has also been recalled. England Squad for First Test vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew (wk), Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue.
