James Taylor’s 82 was the anchor of a nailbiting England run chase which saw them ultimately beat India to face Australia in the final of the Carlton Mid Tri-Series.
Taylor worked well in partnership with Jos Buttler, the pair adding 125 runs after a top-order collapse had reduced England to 66-5. All of a sudden bowling India out for 200 in the first innings seemed a long time ago.
“Credit to Jos Buttler for an outstanding innings,” said Taylor after being named man of the match.
I was trying to concentrate on my own game, I was struggling, not feeling the best. Jos Buttler kept me going and did a great job.”
Taylor appeared out of sorts early in the England innings, beginning slowly but timing his innings well to put his country firmly in the driving seat.
His customary pace between the wickets and canny accumulation of runs worked well in a situation where England could easily have slipped up. After impressive showings against Sri Lanka in the autumn Taylor is setting his sights on the ICC Cricket World Cup and beyond.
“I’ve been away for a waiting for a few years, I’ve now got to get myself settled and put in matchwinning performances and get the side over the line,” he added.
“I knew if I was there at the end we would be there and there about.
“It was a decent cricket wicket. Uneven bounce gave the bowlers something to work with but I’m glad we got over in the end.”
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.