Watch as Ross Taylor tries to hold back his tears in his final international match for New Zealand against Netherlands at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Monday.
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New Zealand great Ross Taylor bid an emotional farewell to international cricket after amassing 7,683 runs in Tests, 8,607 in ODIs and 1,909 in T20s in his 22-year long and successful career. He retired after scoring 14 runs off 16 deliveries in his final international appearance in the third ODI between New Zealand and the Netherlands at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Monday.
His swansong was even more special as it marked his 450th international appearance for his national team and could hardly hold on to his emotions after his illustrious service to the game.
Taylor was in tears when he stood alongside his teammates for one last time donning the New Zealand jersey.
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Taylor was accompanied by his three children namely Mackenzie, Jonty and Adelaide at the pitch for his final game. His children were donning a replica of the New Zealand jersey with Taylor’s name etched at the back with his wife Victoria and his extended family in attendance.
The Kiwi great was given guard of honour by the Netherlands team when he walked to the dugout. The entire venue stood up on their feet to give Taylor a standing ovation for his service to the game.
Taylor had announced his retirement plans on social media at the end of last year. He, however, said after the match that he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the middle and thanked one and all for the support he received over the years.
“Apologies if I miss out any names. First to Snedden and New Zealand Cricket appreciate all the help you have given me from a 14-year-old to where I am now. To Pieter and his team, never thought I would play the Netherlands, you guys have a bright future ahead. Hope you get to play more Test playing nations,” Taylor said at the post-match interview.
“That’s all we need for cricket to grow and become a global game. Special thanks to our manager, you have been with us for 10-11 years and are moving on at the same time as me, wish you all the best. To my team mates it has been pleasure, thoroughly enjoyed my time and I will be watching how you guys grow from the other side. You are in good stead and I will miss you boys. There’s no bigger place to say thank you to my wife, mum and dad, all the family members, coaches for all the sacrifices they have put in. It has been a long 16 years and thank you for everything. Hamilton, thank you for coming out and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to play my last game.”
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