Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mike Newell believes it is only a matter of time before James Taylor breaks into the Test side.
The diminutive right-hander impressed captaining England Lions against West Indies earlier this month, hitting 118 to set up a convincing 10-wicket victory.
However, the 22-year-old has not replicated that kind of form for his new county. Taylor has yet to score a 50 for Notts in Division One since his winter move from Leicestershire.
Taylor missed out on an England call-up for their opening Test of the summer against West Indies at Lord’s, with Lions’ team-mate Jonny Bairstow getting the nod ahead of him.
Despite his omission, Taylor was asked to report to Lord’s and spent a few days with the England team, with the sport betting now suggesting it won’t be long before he does get a call-up. Newell agrees and says that it shows Taylor is in the selectors’ plans.
"It's all part of making players feel like they are close to the team and to show them how it works so it's not a surprise when they do eventually get the call," said Newell.
Newell has urged Taylor to get his head down and work hard for Nottinghamshire, insisting an England Test call-up will come if he scores heavily in county cricket.
"He could make his Test breakthrough this summer, but it might take him a little bit longer. If England keep winning then changes to the team will be minimal," added Newell.
"The selectors want to see what he can do in Division One – that is the first test for him. Can he score heavily in Division One? That is still the thing England are waiting to see."
Taylor will be hoping to add to his maiden one-day international appearance when England take on West Indies next month. The hosts are favourites in the sports betting having already wrapped up the test series with a game to spare.
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