England batsman James Taylor cannot wait to tick playing at a World Cup off his bucket list.
The 25-year-old has made the number-three position his own since the tour of Sri Lanka, compiling four half-centuries in his last nine one-day internationals, form that is likely to see him retain his place for England’s showpiece opener against Australia on Saturday.
On the prospect of playing in front of a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground, Taylor said: “We always used to get a few in at Grace Road! The MCG will be a slightly different kettle of fish but I can’t wait come the 14th of February.
“I am so excited. 90,000 is one of those things you put on the bucket list. All the boys are excited and can’t wait to get out there.”
England continued their preparations for the World Cup with an encouraging Tri-Series Down Under, beating India twice en route to the final.
We have just had a great chat with our batsman @jamestaylor20 . Look out for the interview shortly #LoveEngland #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/IxzycBGvfo
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 8, 2015
Although they lost all three matches against Australia, deemed by many as tournament favourites, Taylor is confident England have what it takes to topple the co-hosts at the weekend.
He said: “It was a disappointing loss in the Tri-Series final but to get there by beating India convincingly in a couple of games was great and the boys are full of confidence at the moment.
“The Australians are in unbelievable form and what a great boost it would be for us to bring them down.
“They have played a few good games against us now but it will only take one good game for us to put one over them and hopefully that is going to happen on the 14th.
“I know we will not be intimidated. We have not got a lot to lose. Everyone is expecting them to come out on top given the last few games.
Net practice for England at the @scg today ahead of #CWC15 warm-up v West Indies #LoveEngland pic.twitter.com/wlKe2fLNXG
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) February 8, 2015
“But we have got nothing to lose and the guys are so excited. Hopefully we are building in the right direction and Australia have peaked.”
Before they turn their attentions to Australia, England have two warm-up matches to finalise their plans.
They face West Indies tomorrow and Pakistan on Wednesday, the latter in a repeat of the 1992 World Cup final, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
And Taylor believes it is important to build up momentum, saying: “We now have two crucial games in our eyes and we are obviously looking to win them by putting in two good performances.
“We are playing two quality oppositions which is nice in terms of preparation and build up to the World Cup. We are looking to win them and build from the form we had in the Tri-Series.”