James Taylor is enjoying playing for England more than ever before as he prepares for the tour of United Arab Emirates.
The 25-year-old was last week recalled to the England Test squad for the three matches against Pakistan after starring during the Royal London One-Day Series with Australia, compiling his maiden international century in the third game at Emirates Old Trafford.
Taylor celebrated his call-up to Trevor Bayliss’ five-day side by continuing his run-glut with a century for Nottinghamshire at Edgbaston just a day later.
The right-hander is relishing the opportunity to continue representing his country in the Middle East, telling ecb.co.uk: “It is really enjoyable to be a part of. It is probably the most I have enjoyed wearing an England shirt.
“The way the guys are playing is exciting to watch, but it is more importantly exciting to be a part of. It is always better winning and we have won quite a lot recently. It is good to be a part of that.
“I always believed I could get back in it and always believed I could offer England a lot, in whatever format they choose to pick me in. I have been determined to get back in it ever since I got left out.
“It is the pinnacle, Test match cricket, and that is where I want to be. It is enjoyable playing for England, first and foremost. I have really enjoyed the ODI stuff so hopefully it can go well in the Test arena.”
Great day out at Lords for the #RLODC final! It was great fun and awesome to see so many people there pic.twitter.com/0O1QL6gCqP
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) September 19, 2015
Taylor’s return to the Test party was reward for all the graft he has put in since making his last format appearance versus South Africa at Lord’s in 2012.
He said: “I have put in a lot of hard work. This season has been brilliant, it started off slowly but to finish it like this I am over the moon.
“To finish with a flurry of runs has meant everything. Getting those runs in the ODIs against Australia, my first ODI hundred against Australia, meant the world to me.”
England lost 3-0 to Pakistan on their last trip to the UAE in 2012, with their batsmen struggling to negotiate spin.
Taylor is well renowned for his successful approach to playing slow bowling and is confident he will stand up to the challenge on this tour.
“We know the climate and conditions are always tough in the UAE, against a great opposition,” he added.
“The amount of spin going to be bowled is tough, but I personally love playing spin and hopefully those conditions will work in my favour. Fingers crossed it does.”
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