Sarah Taylor becomes 1st woman coach in men’s franchise cricket, to guide team Abu Dhabi in T10 League

Former England wicket-keeper batter Sarah Taylor has become the first woman coach in men’s professional franchise cricket after she was named assistant coach of Team Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi T10 league, which begins on November 19.

Taylor became the first woman specialised coach at a men’s county side with Sussex in the United Kingdom. She is widely considered as one of the best ever wicket-keepers.

Taylor thinks that her involvement with the T10 league will inspire women all over the world, and she is building on that by forging a new route with Team Abu Dhabi.

“Coming into this franchise world, you get players and coaches coming in from all around the world where it may not necessarily be the norm,” said Taylor.

“But I’d love to think that some young girl or some woman watching can see me in the coaching team and realise that’s an opportunity and they can push for it, saying ‘If she can do it, why can’t I?”

Taylor, 32, made her international debut in 2006 and has since played in 10 Tests, 126 ODIS, and 90 T20Is before declaring her retirement in 2019. This summer, she returned to professional cricket to play in The Hundred and the 2021 Women’s Twenty20 Cup in the United Kingdom.

She hopes that other women will follow in his footsteps and be inspired by her.

“I do hope that it becomes a little more normal and I may be the first but I won’t be the last. Coaching is my passion and it’s kind of going down the men’s route, which is really exciting.

“I’ve never had issues in male environments and I enjoy the challenge. You always want to prove that you’re good enough, but that’s the same for any coach going into a new environment.”

Taylor will work as an assistant to head coach Paul Farbrace, having won two ICC Women’s World Cups and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup during her successful playing career. She also represented England 226 times.

Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener, who is presently the head coach of the Afghanistan team competing in the T20 World Cup, has joined Team Abu Dhabi.

Taylor coaches at Bede’s School in Sussex, in addition to continuing to work with Sussex.

While she is open to further playing possibilities, Taylor declined a playing position this winter in order to work with Team Abu Dhabi.

“It came completely out of the blue and it was an amazing surprise. I’ve been counting down the days until I can get to Abu Dhabi and get going.

“I cannot wait. As soon as I found out who the staff was, that made it even more exciting and it was a lightbulb moment that I would be stupid to miss out on the opportunity. I’ve got so much to learn, they’ve probably got so much to tell me and I’m very much going to be a sponge. I’ll have to be.

“I’m going to sit there with a notebook and write as much as I can. They know that as well, and will teach me so much as I’m at the start of my coaching career.”

Team Abu Dhabi also announced the addition of England international Liam Lawrence as an Icon Player, as well as the retention of West Indies legend Chris Gayle.