Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor seems set to feature in England's Second Investec Test against South Africa at Headingley following the withdrawal of Ravi Bopara for personal reasons.

Taylor will resume day two of Nottinghamshire's LV= County Championship match against Sussex trying to add to his overnight score of 106.

His Nottinghamshire form has been closely monitored by the England Selectors who have included him in a 12-man squad.

"He is a good technical cricketer, he prepares himself very well, he knows how to occupy the crease against quality bowlers and I have seen improvement in his game this season." Mick Newell

"I think James was next in line for a Test call given the performances he has maintained in recent years in county cricket and for England Lions," said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

"He has started to put together big scores in Divison One of the Championship and he has shown glimpses of excellence in one day cricket which hasn't have gone unnoticed.

"He is a good technical cricketer, he prepares himself very well, he knows how to occupy the crease against quality bowlers and I have seen improvement in his game this season."

National selector Geoff Miller acknowledged England's shortcomings in the defeat at The Kia Oval.

“We were outplayed during the first Investec Test last week but it is important that this squad regroups and focuses on preparing for the second Test," he said.

"This is a talented squad with plenty of international experience and they will be determined to improve on the performance during the first Test.

"We have made one change to the squad with James Taylor replacing Ravi Bopara who is unavailable for selection due to personal reasons. James has been part of the England Performance Programme for a number of years and has performed consistently for England Lions and now has an opportunity to step up and experience the Test environment.

"We have played a lot of good cricket over the last few years and it’s important we remember that, learn from the mistakes that we made and retain the belief that we can level this series at Headingley.”

England squad to face South Africa in the 2nd Investec Test
Andrew Strauss (Middlesex) (Captain)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Steven Finn (Middlesex)
Graham Onions (Durham)
Kevin Pietersen (Surrey)
Matt Prior (Sussex)
Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)
James Taylor (Nottinghamshire)
Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire)

 

Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor seems set to feature in England's Second Investec Test against South Africa at Headingley following the withdrawal of Ravi Bopara for personal reasons.

Taylor will resume day two of Nottinghamshire's LV= County Championship match against Sussex trying to add to his overnight score of 106.