The speed of Taylor's innings means the visitors' middle order got to face more of the older ball due to a superior run rate over England. Normally that wouldn't matter as much in a test but here it could be crucial in terms of getting a result with rain forecast.
"I think England batted timidly but at seven for two the momentum was back with them," Taylor said.
"I didn't intend to counter-attack, I just wanted to be positive and play as straight as possible. When you have that positive intent the looser balls come into your area and it was nice to get my cut shot back.
"There is enough in the wicket to keep you honest. Obviously you can get a bit of luck like Nossy [Williamson was dropped by Matt Prior on 23] but I always felt there was a ball with your number on it."
Taylor admits a big part of their success will depend on how they play offspinner Graeme Swann, who got early purchase from the footmarks of left-armers Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.
"Everyone is different but, as we've seen in the West Indies, Sri Lanka and India, every time we let a spin bowler settle it works against us. If we have a positive intent, get singles and rotate the strike then hopefully we're not bogged down.
"Facing him in the fourth innings will be tough because some of those balls were already ragging. However, he doesn't have a doosra so you've got to try to cut down the angles [where he can attack the stumps] as much as possible."
The chill and gloom - the lights were on most of the second day - also took their toll.
"When I was batting there was about two overs between 11.30 and midday where it seemed pitch black. I was thinking, 'Don't nick it, don't nick it'."
Taylor says the standard issue team hand warmers [little bags of chemicals they shake to emit heat] dealt with the worst of the cold.
"It's not the coldest I've played but it's fairly fresh. I've only started using them [the hand warmers] in the last couple of years, but they do help."
