In a major boost to his career, Gloucestershire’s all-rounder Jack Taylor has been signed by the Cape Town Samp Army for the highly anticipated Zim Afro T10 League. Taylor’s journey to this exciting opportunity has been one of perseverance and determination, marked by triumphs and setbacks, but his selection for this T10 tournament is a clear sign of his undeniable talent and resilience.
Taylor, known for his hard-hitting lower-middle order batting and off-spin bowling, has had a promising career disrupted by multiple challenges. Despite being an effective off-spinner, Taylor’s bowling career has been hampered by questions over the validity of his bowling action. He was first reported for an illegal action in May 2013, and it took him nearly a year of remedial work to be cleared in February 2014. However, his struggles didn’t end there. He faced similar issues in 2016, costing him two months of that summer. In 2017, he was reported again, resulting in a third and more severe 12-month ban. For many players, such a series of bans might have spelled the end of their bowling careers, but Taylor’s fighting spirit allowed him to persevere, transitioning into a dangerous lower-order batsman.
Although his first-class bowling took a backseat due to these challenges, Taylor has developed a reputation as a destructive and aggressive batsman, particularly in limited-overs cricket. His power-hitting abilities were showcased in 2015 when he played a pivotal role in Gloucestershire’s Royal London Cup triumph. Not only did he smash 35 off 26 balls in the final, but his bowling, which included the prized wicket of Kumar Sangakkara, helped Gloucestershire lift the trophy. His contributions did not go unnoticed, earning him widespread recognition in the cricketing world.
Taylor’s prowess with the bat was highlighted in numerous memorable performances. His stunning 41 from just 14 balls in a rain-affected Royal London Cup match against Derbyshire helped his team chase down a revised target in just four overs. He also produced a Championship hundred off 71 balls against Worcestershire in 2016, demonstrating his ability to perform in the most difficult conditions. Even when faced with almost impossible situations, like during the NatWest Blast quarter-final against Durham, Taylor’s 80 from 41 balls in a desperate effort from 61 for 6, exemplified his never-say-die attitude.
Despite the setbacks with his bowling, Taylor’s performances with the bat earned him the vice-captaincy of Gloucestershire in 2018, a role he took on with pride. His contribution that year included a Championship century against Glamorgan and an exceptional Blast season, where he averaged over 30 with an incredible strike rate of 199.19.
Now, with his selection for Cape Town Samp Army, Taylor has the chance to shine on the international stage in the fast-paced Zim Afro T10 League. Fans are eager to see him in action, and this opportunity marks a new chapter in his cricketing journey. Speaking about this exciting move, Taylor expressed his gratitude and excitement: “I’m happy everything is happening so quick, and I’m ready to give my all.”
With his destructive batting and a renewed focus on his career, the future looks bright for Jack Taylor. Good luck to him as he embarks on this exciting new challenge!
