Ashes 2013: James Taylor set to play for Sussex against Australia

James Taylor has been given permission by Nottinghamshire to play for Sussex in a three-day game against Australia on Friday as the batsman attempts to win an England spot for the third Ashes Test.

The 23-year-old has been averaging an impressive 58.85 runs for Nottinghamshire this season and the batsman has caught the eye of the England selectors after being dropped last year.

Taylor hasn’t played Test cricket since 2012, when he produced knocks of 34, 10 and four in a series loss to South Africa, before being omitted from the subsequent tours of India and New Zealand.

However, Kevin Pietersen’s left calf strain means Taylor has a chance of featuring in the Old Trafford Test, and England team director Andy Flower believes the three-day match will provide a chance to evaluate the Notts man.

“We would like to thank Nottinghamshire CCC and Sussex CCC for their support and understanding in allowing Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor to play for Sussex against Australia in the three-day tour match beginning on Friday,” Flower said.

“This will provide James with a valuable opportunity to play in a longer format of the game while we consider our options ahead of the third Ashes Test next week.

“Kevin Pietersen is continuing his recovery from a calf strain and a decision about his availability for the Test will made nearer the time.”