Gary Ballance will be challenged strongly for a place in England’s Test team this summer, according to Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie.

The Australian is convinced Ballance still has a big future at Test level, despite not playing since last July.

Ballance, 26, averages an exceptional 47.76 from 15 Test matches with four hundreds, and he would seem to be in pole position for an immediate recall following the shock retirement of James Taylor.

But Gillespie, who described news of Taylor’s serous heart condition as “devastating”, expects the England selectors to cast a wide net ahead of next month’s series against Sri Lanka.

Not only is there a middle order spot available, there are also question marks over Alex Hales at the top of the order and Nick Compton at number three.

Ballance has scored two pre-season hundreds for Yorkshire, including a first-class ton against the MCC in Abu Dhabi last month.

“From a Yorkshire point of view, we’d love to see Gary be afforded an opportunity,” said Gillespie.

“But players will be in charge of their own destiny in the first month of the season leading into selection for that first Test.

“I think the selectors will take the view that whoever is scoring runs in county cricket will be afforded that opportunity.”

Gillespie was surprised at Ballance’s omission from the team after two Ashes Tests last summer.

The left-hander was not in his best run of form, but he scored a battling 61 in the first Test at Cardiff last July.

“On the back of what he’d done up to that point, I felt he’d deserved a bit more of an opportunity,” continued Gillespie. “That’s the way selection goes.

“Being involved in selection myself at Yorkshire, decisions are tough and sometimes people don’t agree.

“The challenge for Gary, which I think already he’s done really well, is that he’s had to take it on the chin and crack on. I think that’s all you can do.

“He’s a very good character and player. He’s shown his class in Test cricket, and there’s no reason why he can’t do that again.

“Hopefully he can put some runs on the board early season and give himself the best chance of being selected.

“He performed very well in Abu Dhabi and throughout the whole tour, not just the champions’ match. I’m looking forward to, hopefully, him continuing that form early season for us.”

News of Taylor’s retirement earlier this week hit the Yorkshire squad hard.

Captain Andrew Gale described the Nottinghamshire man as one of his best friends in cricket, while Ballance, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and David Willey are all England team-mates.

“James has worked his butt off to be afforded the opportunities, and he was just starting to have a bit of success with the England shirt on,” added Gillespie.

“It’s devastating for the man. We all really feel for him.

“You grow up as a kid and have dreams of representing your state, your county and your country, and just as that was starting to come into fruition, this happens. It’s tragic for him.

“Hopefully he can get the best medical care and go some way to having a normal and productive life.’’