The cricket world has united behind James Taylor after the news last week that the England batsmen has been forced into early retirement with a serious heart condition.
The 26 year-old, who was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) while preparing for the start of the County Championship season with Nottinghamshire, has been overwhelmed by the response he has received.
Here’s a flavour of the outpouring of emotion from teammates and opposition, with the consistent themes of his gutsy devotion to the sport and elegance with the bat emerging. Taylor’s positivity and sense of humour in trying circumstances has also received huge interactions on social media.
Devestated to hear the news @jamestaylor20 forced to retire. Immensely talented, dedicated to his profession and a great lad. Get well soon
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) April 12, 2016
Heartbreaking news about a seriously talented and hard working man. Stay strong my buddy, everyone’s with you @jamestaylor20 #cricketfamily
— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) April 12, 2016
To say I’m gutted is an understatement! A team mate, room mate and one of the best! Your a tough buggar buddy, stay strong! @jamestaylor20
— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) April 12, 2016
Sad to hear the news about @jamestaylor20 wishing a speedy recovery.
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 12, 2016
Look forward to hopefully meeting you one day mate! #inspiration https://t.co/ffgfQHkjgm
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) April 12, 2016
Gutted for @jamestaylor20. Cruel news but he’s one of the strongest guys I know with a brilliant family around him #cricketfamily
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) April 12, 2016
Can’t put into words what I felt when I seen the news on James Taylor…quality player,quality human being #cricketfamily
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 12, 2016
.@jamestaylor20 is always going to be a hero to us with batting like this #getwellsoonhttps://t.co/NaPRefdKmq
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 12, 2016
Devastating news about @jamestaylor20 . Speedy recovery & wishing him all the best
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) April 12, 2016
Who needs über when you’ve got one of these bad boys #Taxi pic.twitter.com/9wvkZ3wZI4
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) April 14, 2016
Very sad news about @jamestaylor20!! Devastated for you bud! Get well very soon!
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) April 12, 2016
Thanks a lot legend! Any spare spots going in the band? I can take the triangle on… https://t.co/nfBsJNsHsM
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) April 12, 2016
Devastated for my mate @jamestaylor20 having to retire. No one has ever worked harder to achieve his dreams. One of the good guys.
— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) April 12, 2016
Source: ECB