James Taylor at Boothill Graveyard

In the dusty town of Tombstone, Arizona, a graveyard stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Wild West's cowboys. The Boothill Graveyard is home to many who met their demise in the heat of the moment, falling in shootouts that lasted mere seconds.

The nickname "Boothill has been adopted by cricket enthusiasts to describe one of the sport's most perilous fielding positions: short leg. This position is located directly under the batter's nose, putting the player at risk of being hit by any powerful sweep or pull shot.

Former England cricketer James Taylor recalls his time at short leg with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. He admits that he loved being in this position because it kept him involved every ball, making each moment feel exhilaratingly alive.

Taylor's enthusiasm for short leg is not shared by everyone, however. Many players are intimidated by the risk of being hit, but Taylor was fortunate to have never experienced such fear. In fact, he states that he wanted the ball to be hit at him, which may seem counterintuitive given the dangers involved.

The allure of short leg seems to stem from its intense proximity to the action. As Taylor explains, being so close to the batter creates a sense of intimacy and involvement with every delivery. This unique perspective is likely what drew Taylor in, but it's clear that not everyone shares his enthusiasm for this high-risk position.

Taylor's young son is currently fast asleep in his father's arms, secured by a BabyBjörn carrier. This setup provides an added layer of security, ensuring the child's safety even if the straps were to fail momentarily.

The experience of taking two catches at short leg within half an hour has left Taylor with an unforgettable memory from a decade ago. The incident occurred during a Test match between England and South Africa in Johannesburg, where Taylor's exceptional skills played a crucial role in his team's victory.

Former South African captain Graeme Smith was among those who praised Taylor's remarkable catches, describing them as two of the most sensational he had ever witnessed on a cricket field. Smith's comments were made immediately after the second catch, which dismissed Dane Vilas and left the crowd in awe.

The first catch saw Hashim Amla depart, with Taylor making an incredible grab just millimeters above the turf. This feat was achieved while staying low in his stance, positioned a few paces deeper than usual at short leg. The entire sequence of events unfolded within 0.4 seconds, showcasing Taylor's lightning-quick reflexes.

Taylor attributes part of his success to hours of practice with England's assistant coach Paul Farbrace. They had rehearsed the exact catch the day before, using a boxer's sparring pad to deflect balls at high speed towards Taylor's toes. This intense preparation paid off when Taylor was able to execute the catch flawlessly in real-life action.

Taylor's experience at short leg has been extensive, and he acknowledges that it's not uncommon for players to dread being assigned this position due to its proximity to the bat and potential danger. However, Taylor has always taken pride in his ability to excel in this role.

For a player like Taylor, who stands at 5ft 6in and is often referred to as Titch", short leg seems like a natural fit. His small stature doesn't hinder him from performing exceptionally well in this position, which requires quick reflexes and sharp instincts.

Taylor's affinity for short leg began early on in his cricket career. Even as a schoolboy captain, he would volunteer for the role because it allowed him to showcase his skills and have fun doing so. His dedication to short leg has earned him recognition from his peers and coaches alike.

In contrast to Taylor's enthusiasm for short leg, many players view this position as a chore. They see it as a necessary evil that requires them to put themselves in harm's way by standing close to the bat and anticipating high-speed balls. This can be a daunting task, especially when faced with powerful batsmen who can unleash fierce shots.

Some senior players have used their size and presence to intimidate batsmen at short leg. For instance, Ricky Ponting was known for his intimidating presence at silly point, often standing just a pace or two away from the batter. His intense focus and aggressive body language were designed to unsettle the opponent.

Tony Greig also employed a different approach at short leg. At 6ft 8in, he would use his towering frame to try and intimidate batsmen into altering their shot selection. By standing with his feet in the popping crease and staring down the batter, Greig aimed to disrupt their concentration and make them more cautious when facing him.

Fielders who position themselves close to the batter enter a unique space where they're acutely aware of their opponent's every move. They can see the sweat dripping down their faces, hear their labored breathing, and even catch snippets of whispered affirmations as the bowler hurtles towards them.

The intensity of this vantage point is palpable, with fielders like Taylor able to discern when a batter is struggling or intimidated. This close proximity allows for constant eye contact and a heightened sense of awareness about the bowler's tactics, making it feel like front-row seats to the action unfolding on the pitch.

For some, these experiences become etched in memory as defining moments of their careers. Vilas recalls his own time in this position, where a particularly impressive catch took place during a tour of South Africa. What he didn't know at the time was that it would also be one of his last moments as a Test cricketer.

Tragedy struck Taylor just months after returning from the same tour, when he was forced to retire from professional cricket due to an incurable heart condition at the age of 26. This premature end to his career weighed heavily on him, but it didn't extinguish his passion for the game.

In the years since, Taylor has remained involved in cricket, taking on roles such as assistant head and lead batting coach at Leicestershire, where he now oversees the development of young players. Despite the challenges he's faced, Taylor continues to cherish the memories of those pivotal moments spent close to the batter, where every catch felt like a testament to his skill and dedication.

Taylor's voice trails off as he recalls the thrill of catching two crucial balls in a game that would turn out to be one of his last. The memories still evoke strong emotions in him, even though he claims not to be an overly emotional person.

The moment is all the more poignant because it marked the end of his playing career, making it a truly special experience for Taylor. As he pauses to tend to his baby, who has started crying, the serene setting of the evening sun provides a fitting backdrop to reflect on those defining moments in his life.