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Speakers

Australian Speakers

Mark Taylor

Overview

Mark Taylor captained Australia in 50 Tests from 1994 to 1999, leading the team through the start of one of the most successful eras in its history. A prolific opening batsman and long-time Nine Network commentator, he shares what he learned about leadership, teamwork and goal-setting from more than three decades in the game.

Who is Mark Taylor?

Born in Leeton and raised in Wagga Wagga, Mark Taylor made his Test debut for Australia in 1989 against the West Indies. On his first Ashes tour of England later that year he scored 839 runs, a tally only Sir Donald Bradman has bettered for Australia in an Ashes series, and Australia regained the Ashes.

He went on to play 104 Tests, scoring more than 7,500 runs and taking 157 catches, many of them in the slips. As captain from 1994 to 1999, he led Australia to the final of the 1996 Cricket World Cup. In 1998 against Pakistan in Peshawar he made 334 not out, equalling Bradman’s record for the highest Test score by an Australian, then famously declared rather than pass it.

Mark was named Australian of the Year in 1999 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2003. He is a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. After retiring, he joined the Cricket NSW board in 1999 and served on the Cricket Australia board for 13 years from 2004 to 2018. He has been part of the Nine Network’s commentary team for more than two decades.

Career highlights

  • Australian Test captain, 1994 to 1999 (50 Tests as captain)

  • 104 Tests, more than 7,500 runs and 157 catches

  • 839 runs in the 1989 Ashes series, second only to Bradman for Australia

  • 334 not out against Pakistan in 1998, equalling Bradman’s Australian record

  • Captain of Australia’s 1996 Cricket World Cup final team

  • Australian of the Year, 1999

  • Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 2003

  • Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

  • Director, Cricket Australia, 2004 to 2018

  • Long-time Nine Network commentator

Key speaking themes

  • Leadership and captaincy

  • Teamwork and building a winning culture

  • Goal-setting and performing under pressure

  • Overcoming the odds

  • Integrity and making the tough calls

Ideal for

  • Leadership and CEO conferences

  • Sales kick-offs and team offsites

  • Sports and community events

  • Regional and rural business events

  • Awards nights and gala dinners

  • Corporate hospitality and cricket functions

Frequently asked questions

What does Mark Taylor speak about?
Mark Taylor speaks about leadership, teamwork, goal-setting and performing under pressure.

When was Mark Taylor captain of Australia?
Mark Taylor captained the Australian Test team from 1994 to 1999, leading the side in 50 Tests.

What is Mark Taylor’s highest Test score?
Mark Taylor’s highest Test score is 334 not out against Pakistan in Peshawar in 1998, equalling Sir Donald Bradman’s record for the highest Test score by an Australian at the time.

What awards has Mark Taylor received?
Mark Taylor was named Australian of the Year in 1999 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2003. He is a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.

How do I book Mark Taylor as a speaker?
Mark Taylor is available to book through Essential Talent. Call 0508 825 368 or use the enquiry form on this page.