James Taylor: Former England batsman named team's independent selector

James Taylor on Test Match Special — Taylor (left) joined the BBC's Test Match Special team following his retirement

Former England batsman James Taylor has been appointed the team's full-time independent selector.

The former Nottinghamshire player, 28, was forced to retire in 2016 because of a serious heart condition.

Taylor will work alongside national selector Ed Smith, who was appointed in April following James Whitaker's departure as part of a restructure.

They will form a three-man panel with England coach Trevor Bayliss to select the Test, one-day and Twenty20 teams.

"This is an important role and it's a huge honour to be appointed," said Taylor.

"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."

England have also brought in a scouting system with a minimum of 12 "discipline-specific scouts" who will provide information to the selectors.

In May, Taylor was one of six former England internationals to be named as scouts, alongside Marcus Trescothick, Chris Read, Glen Chapple, Steve Rhodes and Richard Dawson.

He will now step down from this role to focus on his new position as selector.

"James's early retirement has brought a unique opportunity for the game," said Smith.

"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."

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95 comments

If he brings his TMS eloquence to the role, then he should do well.
12.@ PhilMitchell1 "Cricket is not a sport."

No. It is far more than just a mere sport.
From what I've heard of Taylor on TMS, he has strong and informed views. He is young, enthusiastic and there is no doubting his loyalty to England. He also knows how the grounds play as well as many of the players. On the surface of it, therefore, he should complement Ed Smith well.
Hang on - they've only just come up with the idea of a scouting team?!!!

Oh well - all the best James Taylor. He seems grounded, sensible and informed so he should be a good selector.
@11 you know nothing about cricket
Interesting decision

At least he's young and has a good head on his shoulders.

Best of luck!
Well at least he knows that England extends outside of London and Leeds.
why is everyone so damn negative these days so many put down comments on here it was the same on a similar thread when Gareth Southgate was named England manager well they all have egg on their faces now !!!

He was a fine batsman who's career and nearly life for that matter was ended by a serious heart condition give the guy a break im sure he will do a great job and i wish him well
Everyone in cricket wishes James well. Perhaps, as a younger scout, he can get around 2nd 11 and academy sides too. I also like the other named scouts who have a mass of experience across all disciplines. The trouble is though how can you pick a test team when nobody has played any championship cricket for weeks?
Could be a good move. He seems to be knowledgeable and well-informed.

And he deserves something good to happen to him after his playing career was so abruptly and brutally terminated, just as a long overdue Test career had resumed. Yet, he never moaned about his misfortune.

11.

What a spiteful troll you are!
some of the comments on here suggest that if there was a world cup for negativity England would walk it. I think this is an extremely sensible move; after all he has very recently been a player and will have a good understanding of the ins and outs of being an international player in the current environment. Good luck!
love this call, knows his cricket inside and out
These negative comments are ill-informed. James is a delightful young man whose whole life has been devoted to cricket and he will make a great selector. He was about to become a very fine international cricketer when his career was cruelly ended. Parity for all - you should be ashamed of yourself. You clearly know nothing about cricket. Pipe down please!
@24 Even states in the article that he retired due to a heart problem.

But you obviously know better!

Scored 312 runs in 7 tests at an average of 26, 887 runs in 27 ODIs at an average of 42.23 so I think you even got your stats incorrect!
@11 Think you will find he retired due to 'ill health', serious heart defect if I remember correctly. If you are going to slag him off at least get your facts right.

Personally, I think he is an interesting choice; still young enough to connect with the current players.
11/24.

You're the one who needs to get his facts straight.

Taylor had a massive heart attack and had a major operation to save his life. He subsequently retired.

Southgate is more suited to his present job, but I expect that he knows more about cricket than you do.
Met him on the train a while ago. Took the time to talk to us. Thoroughly nice guy, wish him all the best.
parity4all - you are an ignorant pillock - would help if you read some background on James Taylor
I like IT. I hope he can be truly independent in the role

The national team has a feeling of an old boys club recently and some dreadful performances.
The main issue is whether or not Taylor has the ability to identify talent that would thrive in international cricket. For example Duncan Fletcher spotted Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan when their first class records were ok but not spectacular. So we'll see. Good luck to him.