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 beginning November 19. She will work alongside head coach Paul Farbrace alongside South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener.

Taylor has expressed her happiness to join up the franchise and sign up for a coaching role. In a video uploaded by the Abu Dhabi Cricket Twitter handle, Taylor appreciated her joining the side.

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— Team Abu Dhabi Cricket (@TeamADCricket) October 29, 2021

“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. 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?” said Taylor.

Sarah Taylor Bring A Wealth Of Experience: Team Abu Dhabi General Manager Shane Anderson

Team Abu Dhabi general manager Shane Anderson added: “Sarah brings a wealth of international experience and knowledge to the group and her appointment supports our desire to create a team culture of growth and inclusion, which ultimately sets a strong platform for success.”

The former England player turned down the opportunity of playing club cricket to work with the Abu Dhabi franchise.

“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” Taylor added further.

The 32-year-old Taylor played in 10 Tests, 126 ODIs and 90 T20Is before announcing her international retirement in 2019.

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