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James Taylor
of everyone in any way that I can by giving
them confidence to play.
“I’d like to think that I could captain
Nottinghamshire in Championship
cricket at some point in the future but
that’s dependent on Chris Read deciding
that he’s had enough because he does an
excellent job.
“There’s no rush for me because he is very
good in the role but this is a good way for
me to learn on the job. If it goes well, then
it’s one for the future.”
Taylor’s first forays intoTest cricket
were solid if unspectacular. Called upon
to deputise for Ravi Bopara following
a withdrawal for personal reasons, he
contributed 34 in a resolute 147-run
partnership with Kevin Pietersen. His
efforts helped England to secure a
battling draw and he kept his place for
the nextTest, his second and most recent
appearance.
His two One Day International
appearances have both come against
Ireland but, curiously, he has been left out
of the England Performance Programme
some talent, but it was only when I was
progressing through theWorcestershire
Academy that I began to see cricket as a
potential career. Even at that stage I was
still seeing it as something to be enjoyed
rather than concerning myself with where
it might lead.”
To date, it has led to 6488 first class runs
at an average of 47.35, eight one-day
centuries, a CricketWriters ClubYoung
Player of theYear Award and, latterly, the
captaincy of Notts Outlaws following Chris
Read’s decision to relinquish limited-overs
leadership.
“I’m looking forward to being captain
because I’ve had positive experiences
leading the Lions against good opposition
on tough tours,” he said.
“There are challenges that come with it
but I’ll enjoy the extra responsibility. I’m
going to relish every minute of it but most
importantly I need to lead from the front
with the bat.
“I’m a relatively young and inexperienced
captain so I haven’t defined my style yet.
I’ll definitely be trying to get the best out
“I’m looking forward to
being captain because I’ve
had positive experiences
leading the Lions against
good opposition on tough
tours.”
Squad that will head to Australia alongside
England’s Ashes elite.Taylor plans to
make his own arrangements to spend
much of the off-season in Perth to hone
his batting and to continue his dedication
to a rigorous programme of physical
conditioning.
“It has been said that I’m not the most
naturally talented player but I work very
hard to make the most of my talent by
spending every minute I’ve got training
and preparing myself for matches,” he said.
“I’ve had that work ethic from a young
age and I am striving to be the best I can
be because I believe I’ve got what it takes.
Whenever I’ve played for the Lions against
international attacks I’ve scored runs and
now its up to me to get back in there.”