Monday 8 December 2014 17:13, UK
England batsman James Taylor says he enjoyed proving his doubters wrong on Sunday and is now hoping for further international opportunities.
The 24-year-old Nottinghamshire man has been regarded as an exciting prospect for a number of years but played in his only Test matches two years ago.
And the diminutive Taylor, who stands just 5ft 6in, has had to contend with people such as former England batsman Kevin Pietersen questioning whether his stature limits his international potential.
That question is always going to be there - 'am I going to get another go?'. I hope I do on this tour, and then it's up to me to take it.
However, Taylor got to play just his third one-day international on Sunday and, although England lost by six wickets to Sri Lanka, he suggested he could be the man to fill the problematic number three position with a fine innings of 90.
Asked if the criticism had any impact on him, Taylor said on Monday: “It hasn't affected me at all. If anything, it gives you added motivation.
"Everybody has got their doubters. I have probably got more than most, but it doesn't really bother me. It is just a joy to prove people wrong. As you saw in a brief little stint yesterday, I can hit the ball over the ropes and, if you can do that, then height doesn't matter.
"I like to think I can hit the ball as hard as anybody else, so it doesn't bother me. It might bother others."
Taylor admits his absence from the England senior set-up has been vexing, adding: “I would be lying if I said it wasn't.
"It has been hugely frustrating, having scored the runs that I have in the past. But I hope that is in the past, and now I can look forward to a few more innings if I get the opportunity.
"That question is always going to be there - 'am I going to get another go?'. I hope I do on this tour, and then it's up to me to take it.
"I have scored plenty of runs in county cricket, and every time I have stepped out in the Lions shirt I have scored runs against international attacks - in four-day cricket as well as one-day cricket.
"I knew I could do it against international teams. It's just actually stepping up and doing it on the big stage, which I managed to do. It's nice to show people a glimpse of what I can do, and to be on the international stage."
At this stage, Taylor appears to be vying for the number three spot in the one-day order with Alex Hales and Ian Bell.
"That's probably what it looks like at the minute, and it's up to us to take the opportunity," he said. "I did that yesterday but that was yesterday, and we have got a few more big games to come."
England are 3-1 down in the seven-match series and Taylor is hoping he will stay in the side for Wednesday’s match in Pallekele, although captain Alastair Cook is likely to return so a member of Sunday’s top order may have to miss out.
"I would like to think I have given them a tricky decision to make,” said Taylor. "We have got a couple of days to the next game, and there are some big decisions on the horizon. I hope I'm in their thoughts."
