Taylor talks up England depth

Omnisports

January 30, 2016 7:13 AM

England have plenty of selection options ahead of the first ODI against South Africa. "That's the way you want it," said James Taylor.

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James Taylor hailed the strength in depth at England's disposal after making a hundred in a comfortable warm-up victory over South Africa A on Saturday.

Taylor struck 116 from as many balls at Kimberley's Diamond Oval as the tourists cruised to a 163-run victory ahead of their five-match one-day international series against the Proteas, which begins on Wednesday.

Jonny Bairstow also impressed with the bat, thumping six sixes on his way to 58 from 30 balls, and England's imposing total of 368-7 proved well beyond the reach of South Africa A, who were duly dismissed for 205.

Test stars such as Joe Root and Ben Stokes were rested, but will expect to be in action when the serious action begins next week.

Taylor told reporters: "This one-day side is tough to pick, and that's the way you want it.

"The likes of Joe Root and Ben Stokes have got to come back into the side. You want healthy competition."

Taylor heads into the South Africa series having made two half-centuries and a hundred in his last seven ODI innings.

"It's up to me to keep scoring runs. At the moment I'm doing that, so fingers crossed I'll be in that side," he added.

"I feel really comfortable at this level, and I hope I can show that in this series."

Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid and Reece Topley picked up three wickets apiece in South Africa A's failed chase, with the former also claiming a trio of catches at slip and striking 33 not out from 14 balls in an impressive all-round display.

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