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Taylor takes Bopara's place

James Taylor is in line for his Test debut after Ravi Bopara made himself unavailable to face South Africa at Headingley.

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Essex star unavailable for second Test due to personal reasons

England have included Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor in place of Ravi Bopara in their squad for the second Investec Test match against South Africa at Headingley. Bopara, who made his Test return in the series-opening innings defeat against the Proteas at the Kia Oval, has been made unavailable for selection due to personal reasons. Taylor, 22, is uncapped at Test level although the diminutive right-hander received his first England cap in 2011 in a one day international against Ireland. Taylor scored his maiden first-class century for Notts against Sussex this week and has jumped ahead of Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow in the battle for the number six spot.

Experience

National selector, Geoff Miller, said: "We were outplayed during the first Investec Test last week but it is important that this squad regroups and focuses on preparing for the second Test. "This is a talented squad with plenty of international experience and they will be determined to improve on the performance during the first Test. "We have made one change to the squad with James Taylor replacing Ravi Bopara who is unavailable for selection due to personal reasons. "James has been part of the England Performance Programme for a number of years and has performed consistently for England Lions and now has an opportunity to step up and experience the Test environment. "We have played a lot of good cricket over the last few years and it's important we remember that, learn from the mistakes that we made and retain the belief that we can level this series at Headingley." Pace bowlers Steven Finn and Graham Onions are once again included in the 13-man squad as England look to keep the series alive at Leeds. The hosts' four-man attack of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann took just two wickets between them in the first Test as South Africa racked up 637-2 declared.
England squad:
Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Steven Finn, Graham Onions, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Graeme Swann, James Taylor, Jonathan Trott.

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