ECB announce departure of head scout James Taylor

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the departure of head scout James Taylor on (June 9) Thursday. The England team has undergone several changes after the appointment of Rob Key as the managing director of the England men’s cricket.

Taylor was appointed as head scout after national selector Ed Smith’s post was dissolved in 2021. Taylor assisted the then head coach Chris Silverwood in the selection process for the men’s team. Reportedly, Key is interested in bringing back the post of national selector into the fray and is considering former England batter Ian Bell for the position.

Key is also understood to be keen on separating the selector’s role for each format. The former England batter commended Taylor’s passion for the game and thanked him for his services to the national team.

“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,” Key was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The time is right for me to explore new opportunities: James Taylor

Taylor, who made seven appearances for England in Tests to go with his 27 caps in ODIs, was forced into early retirement after being diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition. The former right-handed batter has thanked the board for their support during his tenure as a selector and head scout.

“It has been an honor to hold the position of selector for three years and the last year as head scout. I would like to thank everyone at the ECB for all their support. We 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,” Taylor said.