Leslie Brian Taylor, commonly known as Les Taylor, is an English cricketer who made a significant impact in the sport during his career. Born on July 6, 1954, in England, Taylor grew up with a love for cricket and dedicated himself to honing his skills on and off the field.
Standing tall and muscular, Taylor quickly realized that his strength and accuracy could be put to good use as a seamer. Despite not making his debut for Leicestershire until the age of 23, he wasted no time in establishing himself as a prominent player in the team. In 1981, Taylor showcased his abilities by taking an impressive 75 wickets, quickly becoming an integral part of the squad.
However, in a controversial decision, Taylor made the difficult choice to join Graham Gooch’s rebel tour to South Africa in 1982. This decision came about due to feeling overlooked by the national selectors. During the tour, Taylor shone brightly as the leading bowler, amassing 11 wickets at an average of 18.72.
After serving a three-year ban as a consequence of his involvement in the rebel tour, Taylor made his England debut in 1985. He played the final two Tests of the summer, demonstrating his skills and earning recognition for his contributions. This performance led to his inclusion in the England squad for the tour of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, Taylor faced limited opportunities during the West Indies tour, earning him the nickname “Lord Lucan” from the media.
Throughout his career, Taylor’s progress was often hindered by frustrating niggling injuries. Martin Johnson, a renowned sports journalist, once noted that when Taylor played, the team’s physiotherapist had more work than a donkey at Skegness. Despite the setbacks, Taylor’s determination and resilience saw him rise above these challenges time and time again.
Known as a genuine number 11 batsman, Taylor’s batting skills were not as prominent as his bowling prowess. However, his resolve and commitment were evident on numerous occasions. In one memorable game, Leicestershire found themselves needing 20 runs to avoid the follow-on. Taylor walked onto the field to face the formidable Sylvester Clarke. Leicestershire’s captain, David Gower, was skeptical and declared early, believing Taylor’s chances of survival were slim.
Throughout his career, Taylor’s performances and skills were recognized and appreciated by cricket enthusiasts. He left an indelible mark on the sport and his bravery in standing up for his convictions during the rebel tour to South Africa will always be remembered.
As Les Taylor’s career progressed, the cricketer remained a proud representative of his team and country. His dedication to the sport and unwavering commitment to his team’s success set him apart as a respected figure in English cricket history. Though his career may have been marred by various obstacles and injuries, Taylor’s impact on the game will be forever cherished.
