Dubai: At five feet six inches, James Taylor may be unusually short unlike other England cricketers in stature, but has tall prospects to become one of their consistent performers in all forms of the game. Last month in the third One Day International at Old Trafford against Australia, Taylor cracked a brilliant century to ensure his side’s impressive win.
Throughout the one-day series against Australia, he played some good knocks and is now ready for a place in the Test team after a gap of nearly three years. His last of the only two Test matches that he had played so far was against South Africa in August 2012.
Speaking after a hard workout at the ICC Academy nets, Taylor said he is looking forward to spend time in the crease in the upcoming two-day matches against Pakistan A at the Sharjah Stadium commencing tomorrow (October 5). “I’ve spent a few years trying to get back and now we have two opportunities in the warm-up games - so it’s up to me to put my hand up and score some runs.”
Playing for Nottinghamshire in the Royal London One Day Cup, his last knock has been a breezy 109 against Kent. “I’ve worked hard and I’m definitely a better batsman than when I last played Test cricket in 2012, which is where you want to be. I’ve had a frustrating time but it has pushed me and I’ve now scored the volume of runs required to get back in the side,” he added.
For Taylor, meeting Sri Lanka’s legendary batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who is here as his team’s consultant, has been a huge boost. He feels he has found someone who understands his game well. “He (Mahela) has been outstanding. He is very approachable and I’m fortunate to have played against him so he knows my game a little bit already. His experience is invaluable. It’s brilliant to have him around - especially a guy who is of similar stature to me, that helps me personally as well playing spin. All the lads have spent plenty of time working on their game with him.”
Taylor’s ability to play spin well will ensure that he returns to the England team. “I love playing spin. It’s something I really enjoy. Obviously, there’s potentially going to be quite a lot of spin bowled here. So I hope I do what I have done previously. Since I have done well in Sri Lanka and also for England I am hopeful to be in the (Test) side,” said Taylor, who has now scored five half centuries and a century from his 23 one-day matches.
“I know my game a lot better...and the confidence is there, knowing I’ve scored runs against the best sides in the world now. This is going to be another test, something I know I’m going to enjoy, but (I want to) get over that hurdle as well.”
When asked about Pakistan’s top leg spinner Yasir Shah, Taylor said: “I saw him in the World Cup briefly, but I haven’t seen him so much in red-ball cricket. I know he’s obviously performed really well recently. It’s another challenge we’re all looking forward to.”
Twenty-five-year-old Taylor has taken up the challenge of getting used to the heat in UAE sportingly. “We’re giving it our best to get acclimatised as soon as possible. We’ve had a couple of tough training sessions. But the boys are loving it – we would prefer to be out here in 40 degrees than in the cold in England.”
