When England announced a 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming ICC World T20, no county was represented more strongly than Nottinghamshire.
Six Outlaws were named, with regulars Stuart Broad, Michael Lumb and Alex Hales joined by Harry Gurney, James Taylor and Samit Patel.
“It’s great for Notts as a county to see so many guys being considered for this squad ahead of the world cup,” said Taylor.
“It’s a great side, and that’s why I came to Notts, to play alongside the best players, and fingers crossed that a few more of us can get in that squad.
“I’ve spoken to Harry Gurney, its great for him to be in that squad, it’s the first squad he’s been named in at a senior level.
“It’s amazing for him and everyone else involved, and hopefully a few of us will make the final squad.
“We have a couple of months until the world cup, a bit of time between now and then to show what we can do, and a bit of form before the final squad is announced. It would be a dream come true to play in the World Cup.”
Taylor enjoyed an excellent 2013, showing good form in all three competitions with Nottinghamshire. The English camp noticed his run scoring, drafting him in for a warm-up match ahead of the third Ashes Test. He was also named as Outlaws captain for all Royal London One Day Cup and Natwest T20 Blast matches, taking the reins from Chris Read and David Hussey respectively.
“There are exciting times ahead for the club, and myself,” said Taylor.
“It’s a great honour to captain the limited-overs side, and it’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to.
“We played so well in the short formats and struggled a bit in the county championship, but cricket is a funny old game, and that’s the way it is.
“We’ll be looking to put that right this year, and we have Peter Siddle coming over who is a world class bowler, and Phil Jaques for the first part of the season.”
“There are exciting times ahead for the club, and myself,” said Taylor.
Taylor is currently training with the England Lions ahead of their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, and is looking to further demonstrate his international cricket credentials and push for a place in England’s Test side.
“The Lions are there to be the next best side (to England) and be for players to come through, with a good crop of young batsmen and bowlers; the future of English cricket looks bright,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to stake our claim and really show the selectors what we can do, especially in the subcontinent. There’s a lot of cricket coming up in the subcontinent, and against a decent side in Sri Lanka.
“It’s up to each individual here to put their hand and stake a claim for a place in either the Test or ODI side.
“I’ve just come back from Australia, and had a good cricket playing Grade Cricket. I’m feeling good, carrying on my form from last year and will look to take it forward into Sri Lanka.”
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