Watch: James Taylor continues his brilliant catching at short leg

Fielding under the helmet at short leg is one of Test cricket’s least glamorous roles, but England’s James Taylor has worked hard to make the job his own. The series-winning session for his team on day three of the third Test against South Africa will rightly be remembered for Stuart Broad’s finest overseas spell, but Taylor played his supporting role in a stellar fashion.

Broad’s dismissal of Hashim Amla during that remarkable period of play owed as much to Taylor’s foresight, concentration and sharp reflexes as anything else, with the batsman middling a low chance that he was shocked to see held. Taylor followed up with a brilliant one-handed take to account for Dane Vilas, this time ensuring Steven Finn earned the maximum reward for his efforts.

Short-leg is a position international sides often reserve for the newest or youngest member of the side, but specialists like Australia’s David Boon or the West Indies’ Gus Logie have excelled in the role. Taylor, who celebrated his catches in Johannesburg like a striker in football or hockey netting a last-minute winner, is in it for the long haul. “Yes, I was a bit of a lunatic,” he said of his reaction to holding the Amla chance.

His stupendous catching form continued in the 4^th Test as well at the Super Sports Park in Centurion. South Africa’s left-handed opener Dean Elgar skipped out to off-spinner Moeen Ali and got an inside edge trying a mighty slog down the ground. Taylor somehow managed to catch the ball between his legs having anticipated the shot and sticking out a hand to deflect the ball down. He was off and running in celebration after having taken another blinder.

The ball landed on his right leg, folded under his body and got trapped as Taylor reached round to pluck it out triumphantly. The third umpire was needed to confirm the dismissal. The on-field umpire’s soft signal was out and it stayed that way as Taylor continued his celebration with England having their first wicket of the day.

Watch: James Taylor continues his brilliant catching at short leg:

Elgar GONE! James Taylor catches pigeons! 40-1https://t.co/LihkBKF7qD #SAvENG https://t.co/euImA6AXtm

— Pendle Sportswear (@PendleSports) January 22, 2016