James Taylor Appointed Batting Coach

Leicestershire CCC is delighted to confirm the appointment of James Taylor as First Team Batting Coach.

The former LCCC and England batter will complete the First Team coaching setup at Uptonsteel County Ground, working alongside Head Coach, Paul Nixon, as well as Assistant Coach and Lead Bowling Coach, Alfonso Thomas.

Taylor will begin his new duties with the squad upon their return for winter training at the start of next month, joining Thomas and 2nd XI Head Coach, Dips Patel, while Nixon is away coaching in Pakistan.

After an illustrious playing career was cut short due to a serious heart condition, the now 32-year-old developed his coaching experience with stints at Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and England U19s, before assuming high-profile positions, including selector and head scout, with the ECB in 2018.

Discussing his return to the club, Taylor said: “I’m delighted to be back with Leicestershire. I’ve got so many fond memories here and I can’t wait to add to those.

“A real passion of mine is helping people and coaching is something where I can do that. I’ve got a wide range of different experiences and hopefully some of that knowledge can transfer to the players.

“There are some hugely talented players here at Leicestershire, and I can’t think of a better place to come and work to try and make a difference. I want to help take the club forward in any way I can.”

Taylor flourished in all three formats during his time as a Fox. He scored 3689 runs in 53 first-class matches at an average of 49.18, including a score of 207 not out against Surrey in his breakthrough season during 2009, which rendered him the youngest Leicestershire player to score a double century.

Taylor contributed 1451 runs at 48.37 in List A cricket for the club, again making history when he took David Gower’s record for the youngest Leicestershire player to score a one-day century, while he averaged 35 in the shortest format, winning the 2011 Friends Life T20 trophy during his final season with his home county.

The ex-England batter, who scored almost 18,000 career runs, also shone on the international stage, with his average of 36.33 from 34 appearances across Test and One-Day International cricket headlined by a swashbuckling century against arch-rivals Australia at Old Trafford in September 2015.

Leicestershire CCC Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “I am very excited to add James to our coaching team. He comes with a wealth of experience, and his character and knowledge will significantly benefit the batting group.

“James has a clear understanding of what the modern batter requires to be successful, and his knowledge of what it takes to be successful for Leicestershire will certainly benefit the players, Paul Nixon and his support staff.”