James Taylor talks about his recall to the England squad
By Will Jackson
Batsman James Taylor is determined to make up for lost time after he earned a recall to the England squad due to tour Sri Lanka next month.
Although still only 24, Taylor has been around and knocking on the door for selection for quite a while, despite not playing for his country in over a year.
However, some stunning performances, particularly in the Royal London One-Day Cup for Notts Outlaws, have earned him a recall to the touring party after National Selector James Whitaker admitted his form was impossible to ignore.
Speaking exclusively to ecb.co.uk, Taylor, who hit 444 runs including three centuries in the one-day competition this year, said:“Patience is one word, yeah. I’ve been having to try and score runs consistently for a few years and now I’ve finally got my opportunity but hopefully I can continue that good form and its exciting times ahead; fingers crossed.”
He added: “I’ve always been told to keep scoring runs in all formats and I’ve done that consistently over the last few years and I guess it’s that added thing of proving people wrong.
“I guess there’s a reason why I haven’t been picked before and it’s up to me to prove those guys wrong in the way I score my runs and the amount I score.
"It’s been nice that I finally got selected on that tour that I’ve always been striving for because I’ve been around the England squad for one-off games but now I’ve got a month or two to cement my spot.
"Playing a few games on the bounce would be nice but that’s a luxury – it’s not up to me. It would be nice to be in and around the squad consistently over a longer period of time.”
Reflecting on how he had finally managed to force his way into the squad, which will face Sri Lanka in seven one-day internationals, Taylor said: “I’ve evolved as a player, I’m a lot smarter and a lot stronger and my technique is definitely a lot better so I’m all round a lot better player. Hopefully I can take that into the international scene.
“That’s probably my main strength, being able to adapt to any given situation and knowing my game and the scenario. I think that’s the key for me and hopefully my form continues in Sri Lanka.”
The former Leicestershire player first appeared for England in the summer of 2011, playing two Tests against South Africa before losing his spot.
Taylor revealed his next aim was always to make it to the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, something he could manage if he impresses during the winter tours.
He said: “My ultimate goal was always to get to the 2015 World Cup and that’s just around the corner. It’s a way off but it’s up to me to show something in Sri Lanka and get on that tour to Australia.
“The squad that we have got together is exciting. You’ve got some really experienced players and some young guys with immense talent coming through so it’s nice to be part of that.”