Brad Taylor: On The Up

Hampshire all-rounder Brad Taylor’s 2019 began with promise, a free flowing barrage of runs and contributions with the ball helped lead the Second XI to one of their most successful years to date.

The Winchester born right-hander averaged 99 in the Second XI County Championship this season, hot form that was enough to earn him a first team Vitality Blast call up.

Reflecting on his season in comparison to that last couple that have been plagued by injury, Taylor was satisfied with how it panned out.

“It was a positive season, I scored a lot of runs in the second team and I was super happy with where my batting had got to.

“My bowling has been at a constant I’d say but I was really satisfied with my batting, with Daws (Liam Dawson) and Mase (Mason Crane) being away there will hopefully be a regular spot for me in that 50 over side.”

This seasons’ Blast call up saw Taylor feature in only two fixtures against Kent and Somerset before a side strain ruled him out for the remainder of the season, but the 22-year-old refused to let that impact his positive campaign.

“I’m used to it now, it’s happened enough times!

“All I can do is look forward, I can’t let those niggly injuries get to me  - that’s professional sport!”

After making his first-class debut at the tender age of just 16, Taylor has gained a regular taste of first team cricket over the past six years and is eager to make more inroads in the coming seasons.

“As soon as you’ve played first team cricket you don’t want to stop, that’s the reason we’re all here.

“I’m definitely even more hungry to contribute on a level that gets recognised next year, hopefully when that chance comes I can bat well, bowl well and I’ll be onto something good.”

Despite tallying up an impressive amount of runs this season Taylor wants to repeat it at the next level, and has targeted next season as a perfect opportunity to do that.

“I’m hoping to make some real strides with my batting in the first team, I feel like I’m at that stage where I’m doing it consistently in the second team so when I get called up I really want to showcase that I can do that at that level too.

“And with my bowling I’m just hoping to hit good areas when required and carry on where I’ve been for the past few years with that.”

The best way to catch Brad and the rest of the Hampshire squad in action all season long next season is with a 2020 Hampshire Cricket Membership and there’s never been a better time to join or renew.

More information on each Membership offering can be found online via the link above, over the phone on 0844 847 1863 or in person at the The Ageas Bowl Ticket Office (Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm).