ECB announce James Taylor as national team selector
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced and appointed James Taylor as the national team selector on Friday. The appointment of Taylor completes a restructuring of the panel that started when Ed Smith replaced former England batsman James Whitaker in April.
James Taylor played International cricket for England and his stint was highly impressive. But had to retire unfortunately due to a heart condition two years ago. He now completes a panel headed by national selector Ed Smith and also featuring England head coach Trevor Bayliss.
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“I’m thrilled to be taking up this role with the ECB and once again supporting the England set-up. This is an important role and it’s a huge honour to be appointed. I have always been deeply passionate about the game and will bring all of my energy and experience from the Lions (England A), domestic cricket and the international Test and white-ball game to this task. I’m excited to be given the opportunity to work alongside Ed Smith and can’t wait to get started.””, said Taylor.
James Taylor had to leave professional cricket at a relatively young age but this has brought him a great opportunity of being the national selector at an age of just 28 years. He underwent arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in 2016, with the condition immediately ending his eight-year long career as a professional cricketer that saw him make 34 international appearances, including seven in Test matches.
“We are excited that James is joining us as a full-time England selector for the men’s game. He is highly determined, with a deep knowledge of the contemporary game at domestic and international level. He was the outstanding candidate. James’s early retirement has brought a unique opportunity for the game. He can bring his recent experiences and insights to selection as we seek to identify the best players to drive forward England’s teams in all formats. I know that James wants to channel the dedication that shaped his playing career into the new challenge of talent ID and selection.”, said Ed Smith.