Former England batter James Taylor – an ex-Worcestershire Academy player – will be the Worcestershire Cricket Society guest speaker on Tuesday, November 14, in the Graeme Hick Pavilion (7.30pm start).
Taylor was enjoying a successful and blossoming career when he was forced to retire in April 2016 at the age of 26 following the diagnosis of a serious heart condition similar to that of ex-professional footballer Fabrice Muamba.
But he has moved into the next phase of his career, having spells as a full-time selector and head scout for the England team before, in October 2022, becoming Leicestershire’s first-team batting coach.
He enjoyed a successful first season in the role as the Foxes lifted the Metro Bank One Day Cup and challenged Worcestershire for promotion in the County Championship.
Taylor was part of the Worcestershire Academy set-up when he earned his first England Under-19 call-up, and he was coached at Shrewsbury School by ex-Worcestershire player and current Board member Paul Pridgeon.
It was 2009 that proved to be the breakthrough year for Taylor, who became the youngest Leicestershire player to score 1,000 Championship runs in a season.
The following year, he became their youngest List A centurion with his 101 against Worcestershire at New Road.
Taylor played seven Tests and 27 ODIs and ended his career with 9306 first class runs at an average of 46.06 with 20 centuries and 5,365 List A runs at 53.11.
Society members can bring a guest but need to book this in advance in Secretary Mike Hitchings at mikehitchings@aol.com
