Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor believes that England have the ability to restore parity in the Investec Test Series against South Africa.

Taylor has been named in the 13-man squad to face South Africa in the Second Test at Headingley and will be hopeful of earning a place in the side after Ravi Bopara declared himself unavailable for selection.

“I hoped that I would be next in line but I never took anything for granted although I have scored consistent runs in all forms of the game to earn this chance,” he said.

“I’ve always backed myself to play at the highest level and even though I’m young I’ve played a lot of cricket and I’ve got a lot of runs behind me." James Taylor

“Playing at Headingley would be a very proud moment for me but nothing has happened yet, I’m just one step closer and waiting for the nod and the opportunity to help England to get back into the series.

“Facing South Africa’s bowling attack is always going to be a tough challenge but its something that I would relish because getting an England Test call has been my aim from the word go.”

Taylor contributed 163 not out to Nottinghamshire’s first innings total of 520-4 declared to demonstrate his form to the England selectors.

“Test cricket is the pinnacle but there was a noticeable step up to division one of the Championship and wickets haven’t been easy to bat on this season,” he said.

“I’ve always backed myself to play at the highest level and even though I’m young I’ve played a lot of cricket and I’ve got a lot of runs behind me.

“The next goal is to get a place in the eleven and if I get that opportunity I have to take it with both hands. If I get in the team then I have to work hard to get runs and then work harder again to do that consistently.

“I’ve always tried to keep my feet on the ground and strive to become a better player and that will always be my mantra.”