England batsman James Taylor dismisses Kevin Pietersen criticism

England's James Taylor has dismissed Kevin Pietersen, who criticised his fellow batsman in his recent autobiography, as "one of those little people who doubts me".

Taylor has made two Test and two one-day appearances for England since his international debut against Ireland in 2011, with his last appearance for the national team also coming in a one-dayer against Ireland in September 2013.

But the 24-year-old has earned a recall for the forthcoming one-day series in Sri Lanka after an excellent season with Nottinghamshire, averaging 88.8 in the one-day game.

I've proven them wrong and I'll continue to do that - it spurs you on, proving people wrong is a big motivation for me.

Critical

Pietersen's autobiography, which was heavily critical of numerous figures in English cricket, included a section suggesting he was not impressed with Taylor - who made scores of 34, 10 and four in his three Test match innings - in the series against South Africa in 2012.

"We were facing the fiercest attack in world cricket; I didn't think he was up for it," wrote Pietersen, who also queried whether the 5ft 6in Taylor was too short for international cricket.

"Everybody is allowed their opinion and I've had plenty of people in the past saying things about me behind my back, that's just the way it is," said Taylor.

"We're all big enough and strong enough to take it, it motivates you. There are plenty of people who have doubted me in the past and he's just another one of those little people who doubts me.

"I've proven them wrong and I'll continue to do that - it spurs you on: proving people wrong is a big motivation for me."

Taylor added: "There's no anger. So many people doubt you all the time - especially with me being smaller than most.

"That doesn't bother me though - I pack a decent punch for my size. I've also scored runs in the past and hopefully I'll do that in the future in international cricket."

Variety

I think that's my biggest strength - adapting to any given situation that's put in front of me.

Taylor said he hoped to offer England some more variety in their batting, with Alastair Cook's team having come in for criticism for their rigid tactical approach.

"I think that's my biggest strength - adapting to any given situation put in front of me," Taylor said. "I scored a few hundreds at the end of the season and every one was in a different situation. The tempo was different each time and I think we won every game bar one.

"So I'm winning games and that's what I want to do for England, win games and finish games and put in those match-winning performances."