Ross Taylor has put an end to the speculation by confirming this summer will be his last for New Zealand in the black helmet.
The Black Caps’ test and one-day international cricket record runscorer announced two days out from the first test against Bangladesh at Mount Maunganui he would hang up his boots at season’s end.
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Taylor, 37, will play the two-test series against Bangladesh, but not the subsequent tests against South Africa in February, and complete his glittering Black Caps career in ODIs in Australia, and at home against The Netherlands.
It means his farewell match in black will be on April 4 at Seddon Park in Hamilton, where he lives with wife Victoria and their three children.
Taylor’s final test will be at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval against Bangladesh starting on January 9. It will bring his test appearances to 112, moving him past Stephen Fleming’s 111 and equal with Daniel Vettori atop the New Zealand list.
“It’s been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have,” Taylor said in a statement.
“It’s been such a privilege to play with and against some of the greats of the game and to have created so many memories and friendships along the way.
“But all good things must come to an end and the timing feels right for me.
“I want to thank my family, friends and all those who have helped me get to this point.
“There’ll be plenty of time for more thank-yous and reflections later in the season – but for now I want all my energy and focus to be on preparing and performing for the Black Caps this summer.”
Taylor made his test debut against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2007 and amassed a New Zealand record 7584 test runs at an average of 44.87, including 19 centuries which place him second to Kane Williamson (24).
In 233 ODIs, Taylor’s 8581 runs at 48.2 is also a New Zealand record, as are his 21 centuries, five clear of Martin Guptill and Nathan Astle.
In total, Taylor has a mind-boggling 18,074 runs for his country across 445 appearances.
Taylor achieved a career high point in June when he hit the winning runs to clinch victory for the Black Caps in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India at Southampton.
https://twitter.com/RossLTaylor/status/1476339755184902145
He and captain Williamson were at the crease at the finish as they went one better than the team’s agonising near miss in the World Cup final against England two years previous.
More recently Taylor struggled on a limited buildup in India, where he scored 20 runs in four innings in the 1-0 test series defeat, heightening speculation about his immediate future.
Williamson, unavailable for the Bangladesh series while he rehabilitates an elbow injury, said Taylor had given his all to the New Zealand team over the years, and wished him well for the upcoming two tests.
“Ross has been at the core of the side for so long and can be extremely proud of having brought the game in this country to a better place,” Williamson said.
“He’s a world class player, our best with the bat over such a long period of time and personally it’s been a pleasure to be involved in so many partnerships with him across the formats.
“We’ve shared some pretty cool moments together – most recently the World Test Championship final which was obviously really special.
“As a senior player and a leader in the group he’s been a fantastic support person for me, especially out there in the field being able to tap into his experience.
“It’s a really exciting time for Ross when he can reflect on so many amazing moments throughout his career and I know all the guys are also looking forward to sharing the occasions with him as he is such a special player to this team.”
This article was originally published on stuff.co.nz and is reproduced with permission
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