James Taylor has spoken exclusively to us regarding his recovery, and the messages of support he’s received from fans around the world, and it’s a must-watch interview.

View the full interview above.

The 26-year-old, who was recently forced to retire from cricket through illness, has been lifted by the reaction to his announcement following the initial shock of learning that his career had come to an end.

“After I was in hysterics when the doctor told me I could never play again, those messages of support really helped me - and the support I’ve had from my friends and family has been amazing,” he said.

“The amount of visitors I had was amazing in itself. The longest time I had to myself was a couple of hours because of all there visitors.

“A message to anybody, if you have a friend in hospital, definitely go and see them because it makes time go a lot better.

“Rather than lying there thinking about things, it’s always good for your friends and family to take your mind off things.

“Everyone at Nottinghamshire from the staff, to the committee members, to the players, have been amazing and it really has made a difference.

“I’m going to desperately miss the guys in the changing rooms as well as all the fans & support at a great stadium with the best atmosphere in the country.”

Taylor’s devastation at seeing his time as a player so cruelly curtailed is dwarfed by his relief to be alive.

“I’m lucky to be here. I feel fragile at the minute and my heart is not in a good place, but it will get better in time,” he said.

“The NHS and the doctors & nurses at the City Hospital Cardiac Unit were unbelievable.

“The way they have looked after me and supported me and my family has been outstanding. I can’t thank them enough.”

Taylor admitted it’s too early to make decisions regarding his future; the focus at present is very much on his health.

The former England international does, however, indicate that he’d love to remain part of the game he loves.

“Along with messages of support, I’ve had plenty of things thrown at me, but I can’t say I’ve thought about that too much,” he said.

“I’m just worried about my health at the minute but, along the line when I understand my body a little bit better I can get thinking about doing more things.

“In time, I’d love to still be involved in the game in some capacity. In good time, when I’m feeling better, I’ll start to dabble with a few things."