Notts experience aids switch for star Taylor

James Taylor was untroubled by the change from red to white ball for England, and the Nottinghamshire batsman put it down to his experiences in county cricket.
James TaylorJames Taylor
James Taylor

The 26-year-old starred with a run-a-ball 116 as the tourists warmed-up for the forthcoming One-Day International series with a 163-run victory over a South African Invitational XI.

Taylor’s warm-up match brilliance in the one-day arena came less than a week after the conclusion of the Test series that England won 2-1.

The Nottinghamshire batsman, who compiled his three figure score from number three in the order, has been successfully combining batting against the red and white ball for a number of years with the Outlaws.

“Sometimes it can be tough but we do it all the time in county cricket so you get used to it,” he said.

“It’s more a change to the mental side of things than technical.

“I feel really comfortable and the guys make it easy for the new ones coming in.

“Thankfully I’ve spent quite a bit of time with England now in the ODI setup. It’s a great bunch of lads and we’re enjoying each other’s company.

“When you’re winning things – and we’ve won a few series recently – it’s good to be part of.

“I know it’s going to be an epic series and I know we’re more than up for it and we’ve got the talent within the side. Hopefully we can pull off a great win again.”

Taylor struck eight fours and one six during his recent master-class, as his canny ability to run rapidly between the wickets – and to rotate the strike – came to the fore.

The Outlaws skipper admitted he’d have preferred to deal more in boundaries. However, with Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow contributing aggressive cameos at the other end, Taylor’s knock turned out to be the perfect anchor for a daunting total of 368-7 that the home side never looked like chasing.

“It was a pretty slow surface but, once I got going, I felt really good,” added Taylor.

“It helped the boys at the other end who played exceptionally well.

It was a really good workout for everybody. Everybody got in and spent some time at the crease.

“The lads played pretty well as a whole, which made it a lot easier for myself.

“I ran a few too many twos for my liking. My legs are a little bit sore tonight.

“But the boys played exceptionally well. To get 370 on a slow surface is a great effort.”

England proceeded to win the opening ODI by 39 runs on Wednesday.

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