James Taylor's attitude to life came across strongly as 'I’ll find a way'.
The ex-England, Notts and Leics batter found a way to get into cricket, to bat even in tough conditions, and to field at short leg.
More importantly, after seven Tests and 27 ODIs, aged just 26, he found a way to rebuild his life when a heart attack in 2016 brought that career to an abrupt and unexpected end.
And not just rebuild, but build a life he is clearly happy with.
James was open about losing pretty much everything at that time.
Only golf, which he didn’t play, remained open to him. However, determination – plus practice in his garage – has made him a scratch player in under four years.
Appointed as the England Men's Test Selector and Chief Scout (2018–22), he spent most of his time working with Ed Smith, a man he obviously rates highly and from whom he learned much.
He also loved the job, especially given the status of the successful England teams at that time.
Now forging a new career as Assistant Coach at Leicestershire CCC, he suspects the current balance between applying the basics of the game and producing entertainment is not quite right.
He thinks an independent selector is vital, as as captains and head coaches simply can't see the amount of of cricket necessary for to make good choices.
He stressed that, in his view, selection should not be a gamble. Evidence of past performance is needed, particularly of success in difficult on-field circumstances.
On perceptions of his ability, given his lack of inches, he replied, 'I didn’t suddenly become smaller' – a great response.
This too seems to be part of his coping mechanism – dealing with life as it is, and being determined to be resilient and 'find a way'.
On T20 developments, he thinks the shorter form has massively changed the game. But the ability to flash the bat can hide a lack of the basics, and failure in the white ball game can be easily excused – especially for those with an 'entertainment' mindset.
On fielding at short leg, he replied that it needs courage but also a keen eye on the batter. As you can’t see the ball, you have to anticipate from the batter’s position and stance.
As a batter, he played a percentage game – seeking the low-risk but high-reward shots.
But few do this now, he reckons, as it looks dull.
On his selection strategy, he favoured a team with variety. In a strong team, however, you can take a risk on one pick which may or may not work out as you hoped.
If he were planning now for the 2027 World Cup, he would have fewer but more intense matches and concentrate on improving skills.
Finally, and with some reluctance, he ventured his pick for the new Yorkshire captain, favouring Young Jonny Bairstow as a player that 'fights when your up against it'.
Mark Heap gave the vote of thanks, expressing the view among big audience that we had been lucky to hear from an unusually resilient and determined cricketer.
On a side note, the much-missed sound system made its long-awaited comeback – and it worked too!
Once more, and for the final time this winter, many thanks for contributions to the raffle which raised a fantastic £268.
Have a great summer, hope you see some interesting cricket, and may Yorkshire raise some silverware at the end of it!