Taylor hopeful of making Sharks clash
The 32-year-old batsman split webbing in his hand during last week's Twenty20 Cup tie against Somerset, forcing him to have stitches.
The stitches are due to be removed at 2pm today, after which Taylor will undergo a brief examination from the club doctor and hope to get the green light to travel down to Hove.
A further, more rigorous fitness test will take place on the morning of the match as the Gladiators aim to reach their first Lord's final since 2004.
Taylor said: "Obviously I'm looking at the injury with an untrained eye, but it seems to have healed quite well and there is no pain now.
"I feared the worst when it happened – I've split webbing before, but only tiny nicks, whereas this is a deep cut.
"It all depends how I come through the fitness test, but I'm obviously desperate to play."
Unquestionably the county's best fielder, Taylor is one of only five survivors from the playing squad that lifted the C&G Trophy at Lord's five years ago – Gloucestershire's fourth triumph in six seasons in the competition.
With then head coach John Bracewell now back in tow as director of cricket, hopes are high that the men from Nevil Road can reprise past glories.
"We beat Sussex at Bristol in the group stage and made over 300 in the game at Hove before the game was washed out," said Taylor.
"Although they are a pretty powerful outfit we seem to have a good record against them. I think the 50-over format suits us."
Captain Alex Gidman (back) has declared himself fit to bowl if required, but Ian Saxelby (knee) remains sidelined.
West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Smith will make his 50-over debut for the Sharks, having played all his one-day cricket so far in either the Twenty20 Cup or Pro40 League.
The hosts will be without wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who is on pre-Ashes international duty, but should welcome back England Twenty20 big-hitter Luke Wright.
Bracewell said: "The good thing about Hove is that they're always good surfaces and therefore the best team wins on the day. It should suit both sides.
"Their strength is to post big scores and then defend them."
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