James Taylor happy to stake England Test claim

England batsman James Taylor has expressed hope that he can force his way into the Test side during the England Lions tour of Sri Lanka.

The Nottinghamshire player scored a career-best 242 not out against Sri Lanka A as the Lions declared on 605-7 in their four-day match in Dambulla.

"I am absolutely over the moon," the 24-year-old told the ECB's official website. "I'd be lying if I said I came here not knowing it was a big tour for myself and everybody.

"Everybody is vying for a place in the Test team. It was a big tour for all of us and it was nice that I could get a few crucial runs.

"It is nice to come out, with a bit of pressure on my shoulders, when I had to score runs. Fingers crossed, I can get a few more in this series."

Taylor played two Tests for England against South Africa in 2011.