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Taylor 'desperate' for Test recall

England batsman hopes to use strong one-day form as springboard for UAE tour selection

Having broken through for his maiden ODI century in the third match of the current series against Australia, England batsman James Taylor is now “desperate” to force his way back into the Test team for the upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates.

Taylor played two Tests as a 22-year-old back in August 2012, but has since been on the outer for England in the game’s longest format, despite boasting a first-class average of 46.59, with 19 centuries in 131 matches.

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The first of England’s three Tests against Pakistan begins on October 13 in Abu Dhabi, and given the disappointing form of opener Adam Lyth and the fact that Jonny Bairstow has only recently returned to the side, question marks surround the make-up of the top six.

Taylor has made scores of 49, 43 and 101 in the ODI series against Australia, and believes he is equipped to handle himself in Test cricket also.

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“Like (Moeen Ali), I’m a very versatile player as well, and I’m willing to bat anywhere in the team,” Taylor said following his match-winning hundred on Tuesday.

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“I love batting at three and four and I’m glad I got my opportunity. The higher I bat in the order, the bigger runs potentially I can score.

“People have seen over the last few years I’ve got a lot to offer in one-day cricket especially, but I think that was a nice little reminder on a turning pitch, where it wasn’t easy to score off the slower bowlers … (they were) similar conditions that we’re going to have in the winter in the UAE.

“I know we’ll be playing on similar wickets against some good spin bowlers in the UAE, and I’m desperate to get back into the Test side.”

England were beaten three-nil by Pakistan on their last tour of the UAE in 2012, with no batsman making a hundred as they struggled in spin-friendly conditions.

England selectors are due to meet to discuss the squad for the tour next week, with Taylor’s name sure to be tossed up alongside that of Gary Ballance, who was dropped during the Ashes but has made 165 and 91 in his two most recent first-class outings for Yorkshire.