Basic HTML Version
16 17
Having reviewed the highs and lows of
his most recent domestic season,Taylor
understands that he must kick-on once
more to push his credentials beyond
those of his direct competitors.
“I didn’t finish the season very well this
year although, on the whole, I had a
good summer,” he said.
“There is work for me to do. I need to
score runs to such an extent that the
selectors can’t leave me out and winning
games for Nottinghamshire will get me
there.
“My strength is my adaptability and
being able to cope with any situation
that I’m presented with. I feel that I
could perform a number of different
roles in the England side and I’ll keep
banging on the door.”
Taylor came especially close in July
when he was identified as Kevin
Pietersen’s potential replacement
following an injury scare ahead of the
thirdTest.Taylor was loaned to Sussex
for the purpose of sharpening up against
Australia’s second string but Pietersen’s
recovery left him out in the cold.
“Playing in an AshesTest is the ultimate
dream and it felt within my grasp when
I got that call,” he said.
“It was a strange situation but I did
all that I could and scored a century.
Fortunately for KP, he recovered and
played in the match. It wasn’t meant
to be for me on that occasion but I was
encouraged to be so close to it.”
With Joe Root’s place in England’sTest
structure looking increasingly secure,
Taylor continues to battle with new
contenders. Gary Ballance poses the
most immediate threat to his elevation
having performed impressively for
Yorkshire throughout 2013. Nick
Compton and Michael Carberry also
share an identical ambition.
“Playing in
an Ashes Test
is the ultimate
dream and it
felt within my
grasp when I
got that call.”
James Taylor