Taylor’s pride as she sets up England win
SARAH TAYLOR was back to her brilliant best yesterday, sparkling in the Somerset sunshine as England eased to a seven-wicket World Cup win over Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old only returned to cricket in May after a year out due to anxiety issues, but she was all smiles after taking three catches and scoring an unbeaten 74, including 11 fours. ‘I walked away from that match feeling really proud of just getting through it, considering the last year,’ Taylor said. ‘It was fun and nice to contribute and get a big score on the board.’ Wicketkeeper Taylor was asked to open at the start of the World Cup because of an injury to Lauren Winfield, but with Winfield fit again she was batting at No 3 at Taunton. Taylor and Heather Knight, who hit 82, put on 148 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 240 for eight. Taylor’s tally of catches included a particularly difficult one off Natalie Sciver to take dangerwoman Chamari Jayangani’s wicket for just one. It was Taylor who confirmed a routine victory with 19 overs to spare by skipping down the pitch to lift the ball over the top. England are fourth in the table after three matches of the round-robin format, having won two and lost one. The top four go through.