England hope James Taylor measures up against Australia

Taylor played two Tests against South Africa last year but didn't make the England squad.

England8217;s selectors were paying particular interest to Australia8217;s tour match against Sussex ahead of naming their squad on Sunday for next week8217;s third Test at Old Trafford. Holders England may be on the brink of retaining the Ashes after a crushing 347-run win in the second Test at Lord8217;s left them 2-0 up in the series with three to play but that match saw Kevin Pietersen suffer a calf injury that has left him doubtful for the Manchester clash.

England chiefs made it clear who they have in mind to replace Pietersen if the South Africa-born shotmaker is unfit by requesting Nottinghamshire8217;s James Taylor 8216;guest8217; for Sussex this week against the tourists. Taylor played two Tests against South Africa last year but didn8217;t make the England squad for the tours of India and New Zealand. However,the diminutive batsman has been in good first-class form this season,scoring 824 runs in 15 County Championship appearances,including an unbeaten double century against Sussex in June.

With Australia batting first Friday in the three-day game at Hove,Taylor will hope he gets a chance to prove himself against international opposition. He was batting on 64 n.o. at stumps on Day Two. But the dangers of putting too much emphasis on one match as a selection guide were obvious on Friday when Australia reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade,trying to force his way into the Test side as a batsman only,was out for a duck.

Visitors strike after Smith ton

Steve Smith made an unbeaten 102 as Australia declared at 366 for five against Sussex in the tour game at Hove. Jackson Bird took two wickets for 33 runs in 14 overs to restrict Sussex to 228 for 5 in 64 overs. Mitchell Starc and James Faulkner took a wicket each,while left-arm spinner Aston Agar had figures of one for 48. At one point Sussex were three for 33 but a 4th-wicket stand of 136 between James Taylor and Rory Hamilton-Brown.

Brief scores: Australia 366/5 decl. in 94.4 overs P Hughes 84,S Smith not out 102; M Panesar 3/70 vs Sussex 228/5 in 64 ovs J Taylor 64 n.o; J Bird 2/33