still earns his keep in the UCSC Marine Mammal Physiology Project directed by ecologist Terrie Williams. By allowing Long Marine Laboratory trainers to track his heart rate, Taylor helps scientists understand what it costs marine animals to survive in their changing environment. That information may aid efforts to protect the threatened otters who make their living in the Monterey Bay.

Residing at the lab since 2005 provides advantages for Taylor beyond his birthday cake of frozen seafood treats.

“If he were in the wild, he would be dead,” said Nicole Thometz, a marine biologist with UC Santa Cruz who has studied sea otters in Monterey Bay for six years.

Living a hard and hazardous life, a wild male sea otter typically lives 11- 14 years. Otters work 10 hours out ofParnell, either as a cricketer or a person.

He has worked harder than most through the teen years to reach this stage in his career, living with a ‘foster’ family in PE to pursue his dreams and then captaining and playing with distinction up until SA under-19 level. He deserves success and as much nurturing and encouragement as possible. Whether he deserves a national contract, however, has been the subject of much consternation and eyebrow raising.

A national contract is, after all, the ultimate goal for a provincial cricketer as it offers both the chance of glory and also an opportunity to lay the foundations for a secure financial future. But ever since national contracts were introduced they have been regarded as rewards for perseverance and consistent performances at provincial