Cricket
CRICKET: Taylor-made for success
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| EYE ON THE BALL: Top prospect Jack Taylor shows solid defence as he prepares for a trip to India |
Jack Taylor is a precocious talent with the world at his feet.
The 16-year-old has been brought up on cricket - his father Kevin captained Great & Little Tew's first team for 11 seasons, while his grandfather, Gordon was first-team captain for 27 years, and is about to embark on his 52nd year as groundsman.
But young Jack will today take the next big step in his own development as he travels to India for an England and Wales Cricket Board-supported World Academy.
Last season's Oxfordshire Under 15 captain is already a member of Gloucestershire's academy, and has been making the headlines as a county player since the age of ten.
But not satisfied at a career solely in Minor Counties cricket, the Chipping Norton School student is setting his sights on one day playing for England.
He recalls his first experience of playing cricket at the age of six, and it took him only three years to gain his first county honours.
"I was first selected to play for Oxfordshire when I was nine," he said.
"In my second year, I was made captain of the under 10s, and I've captained my age group for the county in every year since."
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| SPIN-KING: Jack shows his style in the nets |
Taylor's obvious talent was recognised long before his call-up for the world academy.
He was invited into the ECB's Emerging Player Programme (EPP), which has seen the youngster fast-tracked to the brink of senior county cricket.
Last season was one of his best yet as both a batsman and a bowler, despite the majority of the year being a wash-out.
His exploits earned him a Brian Johnston Memorial Scholarship, where he received £1,000 to help towards kit, travelling and other expenses.
He hit four centuries in a rain-affected season, including an unbeaten 141 for Oxfordshire Under 17s against Essex at Aston Rowant, despite being two years below that age group.
He came desperately close to notching a second county ton when he was dismissed for 99 against Buckinghamshire in the final game of the season at the Oxford University Sports Ground, Marston.
Perhaps even more impressive was his 20-over form.
He amassed 151 not out in an Oxfordshire Cricket Board Under 17 Club Championship match against Charlbury, and in the same competition, scored 128 against Minster Lovell, before being given out lbw by his dad!
But it's not just as a batsman that he excels.
As an off-spin bowler, he took 15 wickets for Oxfordshire Under 15s and four for the under 17s, as well as a further 18 for Great Tew in the county's club competition.
But it was not until 2005 that he turned to spin. As a youngster, Jack was predominantly a seam bowler, and it was Oxfordshire coach Gary Sansome who suggested a change.
Taylor recalls: "I remember it was a baking hot day in an under 13 match against Middlesex.
"Gary suggested I tried spin, as I was also a batsman, and there was a danger of burning myself out.
"I don't know what it was, but there just seemed to be turn for me the first time I tried it. I took 6-26 and never looked back."
Nothing has made him prouder, or more determined to take his chance, than the surprise call-up for the two-week academy trip to India.
He said the call came completely out of the blue, after he was recommended by Gloucestershire coach Owen Dawkins.
"A few weeks ago, my dad was called by my coach, who said there was a chance I could be invited," he explained.
"It was all finalised very quickly, and I'm going over to Mumbai with four first team players plus one other academy lad.
| "I don't know what it was, but there just seemed to be turn for me the first time I tried it. I took 6-26 and never looked back." | | Jack Taylor |
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"The first teamers are Steve Snell, Steve Adshead, David Brown and Grant Hodnet, and the other academy player is Chris Dent, who was the Gloucestershire academy player of the year last season.
"So I'm going to be in pretty good company. Chris scored a half century against Oxford University in the Parks last year, and the others have all played for Gloucestershire's first team."
The world academy will put Taylor through intense coaching and fitness sessions, while there will also be games played against local represenative sides at Mumbai's famous Gymkhana ground.
The youngster knows he will have to acclimatise quickly as he leaves behind the English winter for the stifling heat of the sub-continent.
"It's amazing that I'm going over there," he said.
"It was a real shock to be invited, especially at my age. The weather and climate will be totally different.
"But I'm looking forward to bowling out there. I know their pitches are very spinner friendly with dry, dusty wickets, so I can't wait.
"England A are there too, so there's a chance that we may get some tips from some of the future England players."
Already this winter, Jack has been working hard with Gloucestershire, training twice a week with the academy in Bristol.
He spent a week in the Brecon Beacons on a team-building excercise, which included an orienteering trip into the mountains.
"That was all about team work," he said. "We were set different tasks and were put into groups.
"We had to work together and complete a few challenges along the way. It got us to mould as a team and it's aimed at giving us more confidence."
He trains with Gloucestershire on Sundays and Wednesdays, which means long journeys to the west country after school.
And it's no cake walk. The sessions are tough, but it has ensured Jack's dedication and commitment is unwavering.
"I'm totally focused on cricket," he said.
"The training sessions focus on everything needed to become an elite sportsman. We have an hour of fitness, plenty of nets, batting and fielding drills, and also lifestyle coaching.
"These teach us how to manage our bodies properly and how to keep ourselves in peak condition.
"There is also a big focus on setting our own dreams and ambitions. They encourage us to aim high, which is why I want to focus on getting to the top. I want to play for England in the future."
Despite his lofty ambitions, Jack possesses a level-headed attitude. A modest and unassuming lad, he knows that the higher he goes, the harder he will have to work.
"I know where my roots are, and I know where I want to get to," he said.
"There's no point being big-headed or arrogant, because that would set you up for a fall.
"I know I'm very privileged to have got to where I am, and the work will just get harder as I progress."
So it is little wonder that Jack has set his sights high.
"I just hope that the coming season is as good as last season for me," he said.
"I have set myself an aim of getting in the South and West regional team, and possibly the England Under 16 set-up.
"I also hope to play more second team games for Gloucestershire, although I know the competition for places is intense.
"I'm keeping my feet on the ground. To earn a contract with Gloucestershire would be fantastic, but I know there's a lot of hard work ahead."
7:14pm Friday 29th February 2008
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CommentPosted by: robertson gellatly, oxford on 9:10pm Mon 3 Mar 08
jack is my sisters grandson so well done jack
you will play for england, and it will not be long befor you do.your uncle robert
jack is my sisters grandson so well done jack
you will play for england, and it will not be long befor you do.your uncle robert
Posted by: John Morton, Faringdon on 5:15pm Fri 14 Mar 08
I had the pleasure of managing Oxfordshire under 10s for two seasons with Jack a prominent member of an excellent team - I would like to wish him good luck and look fforward to watching his progress
I had the pleasure of managing Oxfordshire under 10s for two seasons with Jack a prominent member of an excellent team - I would like to wish him good luck and look fforward to watching his progress
Posted by: SHAHBAZ ALI, OXFORD on 8:37pm Sun 6 Apr 08
FANTASTIC PLAYER, I SEE HIM PLAY 2DAY..KEEP WORKING HARD MATE..
FANTASTIC PLAYER, I SEE HIM PLAY 2DAY..KEEP WORKING HARD MATE..
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