Taylor scored 114 from 152 balls in opening warm-up...
Wednesday 16 December 2015 16:50, UK
Sir Ian Botham says James Taylor's hundred in England's opening warm-up match should have secured his Test spot in South Africa.
Taylor scored 114 from 152 balls on day one against a South African Invitation XI, and Botham says the Nottinghamshire star now must be given a run in the side.
"He has put himself forward," said Botham. "I think he should be, and will be, in the side, regardless of the hundred.
"I like him as a cricketer, he is a busy batsman, and an aggressive player when he gets in - he is difficult to bowl to with his low centre of gravity, hits the ball square both sides of the wicket, and is a good driver.
"I always find it quite amazing when people say he can't play pace, he can't do this or that, as how many Tests has he actually played? Three, so I rest my case! He deserves an extended run in the side."
Ben Stokes also impressed on his return from injury in Potchefstroom, cracking five sixes on his way to 158 off 131 balls as England amassed 470-5 in their first innings.
"Stokes is a terrific cricketer," added Botham. "But this England side have a few of them.
"Joe Root is currently number one in the world, they have a bowling attack of maturity, and Steven Finn coming back has just added further pace and bounce.
"They're a really good side, and Stokes is part of that. He makes it much easier for the captain if he is fit and playing well. He has a hell of a lot to offer in this series, and generally for English cricket."
Botham was talking during his Walking the Rainbow Nation charity walk in South Africa ahead of England's first Test in Durban on Boxing Day.
Coverage of the first Test between South Africa and England in Durban gets underway at 7.30am on Boxing Day morning on Sky Sports 2 HD.
