Cricketer Taylor earns new England contract

Taylor has burst onto the international scene this winter after a couple of years out of England’s plans and established himself in the country’s 50-over side thanks to excellent performances in Sri Lanka and, more recently, against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup.

“James’s contract is well deserved and merited,” Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell told the club’s official website.

“It gives him some security and knowledge that he’s highly rated within the England set-up.

“He’s had a terrific winter so far and lots of people who have seen him play a lot wouldn’t have been surprised by that. We felt that the time was right for him to play and blossom at that level and he has made an excellent start.”

Taylor had an excellent season with Nottinghamshire in 2014, establishing himself as one of the most powerful 50-over batsmen, scoring heavily to propel Notts Outlaws to the semi-finals of the Royal London One-Day Cup.

Now, his sights will be set higher and Newell expects Taylor to be competing to represent his country across all formats of the game.

“He had to keep banging the door down and when places have emerged with the retirement of Kevin Pietersen, the loss of Trott and Cook not playing, spaces have emerged and he has done very well to grab one of those spots,” he added.

“From his perspective he’ll want to maintain his form through the world cup and establish himself in other forms of the game.

“There is no reason why, in time, he can’t play for England in all forms of cricket.”