James Taylor "delighted" to be included in Ashes squad

James Taylor has said that he is delighted to have been named in England's 14-man squad for the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old has been included as cover for Kevin Pietersen, who is nursing a calf strain.

"I'm obviously delighted to be back in the England squad - one step closer to playing," Taylor told Sky Sports News. "But we all hope KP will be playing.

"I'm definitely ready to perform if needed. I'm in a better space mentally and my game is in a better space than it was 12 months ago."

Taylor has made just two Test appearances to date, both against South Africa last summer.