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James Taylor has shared the secrets behind his short-leg catching success during England’s Test series against South Africa.
Videos and vines of his two stunning catches during the third Test in Johannesburg were continuously displayed throughout social media and Taylor highlighted his preparation off the field as the sole reason for those moments of magic.
The increasing regularity of these catches have seen many question the diminutive batsman’s methods behind his sudden success at short-leg.
After a 25-minute session, Taylor told ecb.co.uk: “My quads, hammys (hamstrings) and glutes have taken an absolute pounding, the (wicket) keepers are used to it but I’m not so it does take its toll.
Some practice from earlier today! Cant wait for Friday #SAvsEng @ Supersport Cricket Park,… https://t.co/B6XoWwwxya
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) January 20, 2016
“I’m working on a few things, keeping my head forward over my feet and trying to keep my hands together for as long as possible which makes the surface area of catching bigger.”
Having been recalled into the England sqaud for the tour of the United Arab Emirates to face Pakistan, the Nottinghamshire batsman has focused on his fielding skills more than he had in the past.
“I’ve probably concentrated on it more on this trip and UAE than I ever have before,” the 26-year-old added.
Taylor then jokingly stated that in previous matches the team usually “shove the little lad” at short-leg but now he thrives off his self-proclaimed fielding position and is reaping the benefits of his hard work.
He said: “We go through different ranges, the closer, the more reactions, so we try and get in those positions and let the technique do the work.
“I’m just concentrating on technique and working on different positions. It’s tough work, but it is fun when it pays off.
“Watching the footage back, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it but like I said when you work on something, it means that bit more.”
Source: ECB