James Taylor, who retired from cricket at 26 takes to the nets after 15 months

Former English cricketer James Taylor, who retired from the game at the age of 26 owing to a rare heart condition, posted a video on Twitter hitting some balls in the nets after 15 months. Taylor had to announce retirement after he was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The disease implied vigorous exercise can exacerbate the condition and may cause sudden death.

The former Nottinghamshire cricketer fell ill preparing for a pre-season match against Cambridge University and nearly died. He ended his cricket career at the age of just 26, after suffering the congenital heart condition that afflicts one in 5,000 people. He retired having played seven Tests for his country.

Following his diagnosis, Taylor was quoted as saying by Telegraph, “It is like being hit by a 100mph cricket ball and then putting your hand in an electrical socket. The exact feeling is like your inside’s blowing up because that is really what it is doing. It is electrocuting the middle of your heart.

“Somebody heard it going off from 30 yards away. I just went all fuzzy and then I shot off across the room. Now my medication is better than it was and I feel more confident on the medication, which makes a big difference. One tiny little pill, it is amazing what it can do.”

The diminutive cricketer made his debut in first-class cricket in 2008 for Leicestershire A brilliant fielder in the covers, he became the youngest Leicestershire one-day centurion and first-class double centurion.

Taylor has also represented The Three Lions at under-19 level and captained the side. Taylor made his ODI debut for England in August 2011. On December 2011, Taylor signed a contract to play for county side Nottinghamshire and the following summer, he made his England Test debut when he faced South Africa at Headingley.

Following his retirement, Taylor has worked for Sky Sports and Test Match Special and has also coached at the Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire academies.

Here’s the video he shared on Twitter: