ECB appoint James Taylor as full-time selector

James Taylor will leave the broadcast booth to join the ECB’s core of selectors led by former TMS colleague Ed Smith.

The ex-Notts & England batsman will start his new job with immediate effect and will work in full-time capacity, as England prepare for a five-match Test series and keep an eye on next year’s home World Cup.

Taylor has not relied only on the microphone in the time since he was forced to retire from the game due to a heart condition, finding time to coach and scout in England.

Ed Smith told the ECB’s official website: “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.”

In First-Class county cricket, the 28-year old also played for Leicestershire from 2008 to 2011 and Nottinghamshire 2012-16, scoring 20 First-Class centuries.

His appointment is the most recent development to the shake-up of the ECB’s selection and scouting system ordered by director of cricket, Andrew Strauss.

A move which saw James Whitaker stand down as national selector allowing Smith to take the reins. In the release, the ECB further reiterated that Taylor was the first of more additions set to be made to a wide-reaching scouting network, tailored to all three disciplines of the game.

On his new role, Taylor described it as an ‘honour’ to work at the top end of England’s selection set-up.

“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, 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.”

The new selection panel comprises the national selector Ed Smith, the selector James Taylor and the England coach Trevor Bayliss.