Clare Taylor in New Zealand

By Peter Redding

Clare Taylor’s first experience of cricket came at Golcar, where she began watching the game and practising with the first team. She has since gone on to become a World Cup winner, England’s most successful bowler and an international footballer. Now Huddersfield’s most famous sports star finds herself in New Zealand having emigrated to pursue a career in cricket coaching. Last winter she accepted the job of Women’s Cricket Development and Coaching Officer for the Otago State team. I caught up with her to find out more about the job and see how she was getting on six months into the role.

So Clare, when did you arrive in New Zealand?

I played in New Zealand for the first time in 2000. It was just after the World Cup that was played there that year and I decided to stay on and play for the Otago state team. I enjoyed it so much that I have been back every winter since then. As far as this winter gone by is concerned, I arrived at the start of October last year and I’m going to be here indefinitely.

What convinced you to move to New Zealand to pursue this challenge?

It was too good an opportunity to turn down. I was Player/Coach last year and they then offered me the job of Women’s Cricket Development and Coaching Officer. It is a great opportunity; I feel there are more opportunities for women in cricket in New Zealand, so that is why I am here.

How long will you be in New Zealand for?

I have accepted a three-year contract so I will be there for that period of time and after that we will have to wait and see.

What do you hope to achieve with Otago?

The most enjoyable part of the role is seeing players improve. I think that is the priority, you also want players to enjoy themselves but if they can improve then that is great to see and it gives me immense satisfaction in playing a part in this.

How do the approaches to coaching women’s cricket in England and New Zealand compare?

The approaches to coaching are quite similar but it is a lot more laid back here. Stress is not a word in their vocabulary.

How do the participation levels compare in England and New Zealand for women’s cricket?

The participation levels are a lot higher in England than in New Zealand because of the population. The game is certainly very popular here though and it is one of the most popular sports that women are involved in.

Are there any players that you can recommend for the future?

There are a few at Otago. Sarah Tsukigawa, who is a young all-rounder who plays for Otago and New Zealand. Suzie Bates came into the New Zealand team during the series in India and made an immediate impact at just 18 - she is another promising all-rounder who got a hundred in that series. Sophie Devine is another one to look out for, she plays for Wellington and she has already played a few games for New Zealand and she did pretty well; she is only 17 so I would expect to see a lot more of her.

England and New Zealand are set to meet this coming summer - how do you see that series going?

I think England will do okay if they toughen up their approach a bit, they certainly have the ability. The result of the series also depends a lot on the team that the Kiwis are able to send over. With the players being semi-professional it could be a bit of a struggle for some of them to get the time off work to play in the series. If New Zealand are able to bring their strongest available squad then I would back them to win.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

I like being in the sun all day! I enjoy seeing young players enjoy the game and it is always nice to see them progress and improve their skills. Coaching gives me the chance to stay involved in the game and pass on knowledge. I’ve always enjoyed being part of the game as much as I can.

Do you see yourself doing more coaching in England in the future?

I don’t really know if coaching will be my chosen career. I seem to have fallen into it rather than choosing it, so I will use my contract time here to see what I want to do. I have recently been involved with the New Zealand women’s team. I was the assistant coach for the series in India and I enjoyed that immensely, so we will have to wait and see what the future holds but I am enjoying what I am doing at the moment.

Coaching is the latest step in a successful career in sport that began at Swallow Lane. We wish Clare the best of luck in her future endeavours as she continues her involvement in her great passion of sport.