James William Arthur Taylor, known as James Taylor, is a retired English cricketer. He was born on 6 January 1990 in Burrough on the Hill, Leicestershire, England. Nicknamed "Titch" due to his shorter stature compared to other professional cricketers, Taylor stands just slightly taller than Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. He often credited his height as an advantage, allowing him to employ specific techniques effectively at the crease.

Taylor's father, Steve Taylor, was a former National Hunt jockey and later became a race starter. James began his education at Maidwell Hall before attending Shrewsbury School, where his talent in cricket developed. At Shrewsbury, he played for the school’s cricket team, laying the foundation for his future professional career.

Domestic Career and Rise at Leicestershire

James Taylor played as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm leg break bowler, though his primary role was as a batsman. He began his professional cricket career with Leicestershire County Cricket Club at the age of 18, playing for them from 2008 to 2011. During this time, he gained widespread recognition, most notably for breaking David Gower's record as the youngest Leicestershire player to score a one-day century. His consistent performances led Leicestershire to offer him a three-year contract extension, which he accepted and fulfilled until 2012.

Move to Nottinghamshire

Following his success with Leicestershire, Taylor became a sought-after player. Both Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire offered him contracts, and Leicestershire proposed an extension as well. Ultimately, Taylor chose to sign a three-year contract with Nottinghamshire, where he continued to showcase his batting talent and further his cricketing credentials.