New Zealand batter Ross Taylor has announced on Thursday that he will retire from international cricket following the conclusion of the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh, and six ODIs against Australia and the Netherlands next year. Taylor is arguably one of the greatest batters produced by New Zealand. He is also the first player and the only player to play 100 matches in all formats of the game. Taylor has always been a legside dominant player and has scored most of his career runs on the same side of the ground. Many international players have often called him “God of legside”.
Taylor retires as the most prolific New Zealand batter across formats. Having made his Test debut back in 2008 against South Africa, Taylor will bid adieu to the game as New Zealand’s top-scorer in Test cricket. He has scored 7584 Test runs with 19 centuries at an impressive average of 44.87. He is also the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in ODI cricket, having amassed 8581 runs at an average of 48.20 including 21 centuries. Ross Taylor has also played 102 Twenty20 internationals, scoring 1909 runs at a strike rate of 122.37.
| Competition | Test | ODI | T20I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 109 | 233 | 102 |
| Runs scored | 7,577 | 8,581 | 1,909 |
| Batting average | 45.37 | 48.20 | 26.15 |
| 100s/50s | 19/35 | 21/51 | 0/7 |
| Top score | 290 | 181* | 63 |
‘His (Ross Taylor) skills and temperament as a batsman have been world-class’- Gary Stead
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said Taylor would undoubtedly bow out as one of New Zealand’s greats. Gary said Taylor’s skills and temperament as a batsman have been world-class and we’re thankful for his contribution to the Black Caps.
“Ross has always been a hugely respected member of the side. We’re thankful for his contributions to the Black Caps over an incredible career. His skills and temperament as a batsman have been world-class. And his ability to perform at such a high level for so long speaks volumes of his longevity and professionalism. Seeing him hit the winning runs in Southampton to help win our first ICC World title is a moment I will never forget. And I’m sure it’s the same for many of the fans.”
Taylor holds the record of scoring most ODI centuries (21) and most centuries by a New Zealand batsman across all formats (40). He also holds the record of most catches by a New Zealand cricketer in international cricket with 346 catches. The 37-year-old has the highest Test score in Australia by a visiting player (290 at Perth 2015).
“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.” New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson said.
