James Taylor targets England cricket place

Shropshire cricket ace James Taylor is confident his England opportunity will arrive – after renewing his links with Shrewsbury.

Taylor, one of English cricket's most promising batting talents, was back at London Road for Saturday's Birmingham League Premier Division game with Brockhampton after previously making nine appearances in 2006.

The 22-year-old, Shrewsbury's contracted player for the season from Nottinghamshire, made just three runs before being run out as his side slumped to a disappointing defeat.

But, on the international front, Taylor remains at the forefront of England's selection thoughts and believes his opportunity to build on his sole one-day cap, which came against Ireland last year, will arrive.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed not to be in the side but hopefully my chance will come," said the former Shrewsbury School pupil, who captains the England Lions.

"I have to keep knocking on the door and scoring runs.

"There is a lot of strong talent in England with both the bat and the ball.

"English cricket is in a great place at the moment and I'd love to be a part of it.

"I''ve been around the set-up and changing rooms quite a bit and it's nice to be asked down to be involved.

"I've been playing for the Lions for the last three or four years so I'm in and around the squad and just have to keep going.

"Hopefully, if and when I get that chance, I can take it with both hands.

"I'm confident in my ability but I have to keep showing people what I can do."

While Taylor was disappointed not to inspire Shrewsbury to victory, he relished the chance to link back up with many of his former team-mates.

"I loved being back," he added. "It's a special place close to my heart and I obviously know a lot of the guys from my time here before."

Remarkably, Taylor has now made 10 career appearances for Shrewsbury and is yet to feature on the winning side.

But he had better luck yesterday when his unbeaten half-century helped Shrewsbury School's old boys, the Shrewsbury Saracens, beat Whitgift Mitres in the second round of the Cricketer Cup, a competition for the old boys of independent schools.

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