Taylor says opener will do 'a damn good job'

Jaques has done enough to get Test nod

Cricinfo staff

October 24, 2007

Phil Jaques, who hopes to become the next generation's opener, educates a player of the future © Getty Images

Phil Jaques is a modern opener who is ready to join Matthew Hayden at the Gabba next month, according to Mark Taylor. Taylor, who held a place at the top of the order for 104 Tests, said Jaques would be a fine choice to fill the gap left by Justin Langer.

"I'd probably say yes he has done enough, he's probably done more than enough,'' Taylor said in the Daily Telegraph. "I have no doubt that if Phil is selected he'll do a damn good job because he's a very professional cricketer, he's never whinged about continually making runs and being sent back to state cricket."

Two events since the start of the season have boosted Jaques' claims to play Sri Lanka at the Gabba from November 8. His 167 in the second innings of the Pura Cup match against Western Australia gave him the edge over his rival Chris Rogers, who was then scratched with appendicitis. Jaques, who has played two Tests, has another chance to secure his position this week during games against Queensland at the SCG.

''Being on the fringes is probably the hardest spot to be in on any cricket team," Jaques, who was speaking at the launch of CricKids Playing in Harmony, told the paper. "Hopefully the pressure of being on that edge and trying to perform at a top level for so long will count in my favour."

Taylor has been impressed by Jaques' play and the way he backs himself to score runs. "One thing about Phil is that he typifies the modern game ... much more prepared to go for the bowling early on,'' Taylor said. "He's one of those guys who can be 80 not out at lunch. Back in my day I dreamed about being 80 not out at lunch. If I could be 80 at about tea I thought 'this is good'."

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