Ross Taylor has called time on his 16-year international career, with the Tests against Bangladesh and the ODI series against Australia to be his last ventures.
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Ross Taylor, one of the greatest players to have played for New Zealand, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The right-handed middle-order batsman took to Twitter to make his announcement. The two Tests against Bangladesh will be Ross Taylor‘s last in Whites. The ODI series against Netherlands and Australia will be his last in limited-overs cricket.
Taylor, who has been with New Zealand ever since 2006, has amassed records that have transformed the cricketing scene in New Zealand. Ross Taylor is the only player in history to have played 100 matches in Tests, ODIs, and Twenty20 Internationals. In a career spanning 15 years, Ross Taylor has had several magnificent moments. His tally of 7584 runs in Tests is the most by any New Zealand player. In ODIs, Ross Taylor has amassed 8581 runs which is also a record. Taylor is one of the few players in the world to have featured in over 100 Twenty20 Internationals, averaging 26 with seven fifties.
Taylor has also been prominent in Twenty20 Leagues from the IPL to CPL. He has played for four IPL teams in Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rajasthan Royals. For the CPL, he has played for the Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors as well as for several teams in the Vitality Blast T20.
Today I'm announcing my retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer, two more tests against Bangladesh, and six odi’s against Australia & the Netherlands. Thank you for 17 years of incredible support. It’s been an honour to represent my country #234 pic.twitter.com/OTy1rsxkYp
— Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) December 29, 2021
On his social media handle, Taylor said it was not an easy decision to make. “It’s been an amazing journey. I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have. 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,” Taylor said.
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The news of his announcement saddened many people. But, a fair majority of players hailed Taylor and called him one of the greats of the game. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead led the tributes by stating, “His skills and temperament as a batsman has been world-class. The ability to perform at such a high level for so long speaks volumes of his longevity and professionalism. His experience has held the side together on countless occasions and his catching record speaks for itself. There’s no doubt we’re going to miss him when he’s gone,” Stead said.
Kane Williamson, who is currently one of the best New Zealand players, has said Taylor’s contribution has made cricket in New Zealand better. “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. 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,” Williamson said.
The retirement of Ross Taylor will leave a big void in New Zealand’s middle order for many years and months. But, his contributions will forever be remembered by many fans of cricket.
