WELLINGTON: New Zealand batter Ross Taylor on Thursday announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the current home season with the upcoming series against Bangladesh being his last Test cricket before he finishes with the ODIs against Australia and Netherlands.
The 37-year-old has been a ‘Black Caps mainstay since his 2007 test debut, amassing a New Zealand record 7,584 runs in 110 matches at an average of 44.87. He also holds the nation’s record in ODI runs (8,581) and centuries (21).
“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,” the cricketer said, adding, “But all good things must come to an end and the timing feels right for me.”
Taylor, who was at the crease alongside Kane Williamson when New Zealand secured the World Test Championship earlier this year, had previously spoken about making the 2023 World Cup but has decided now is the time to call it a day and not be available for the South Africa Tests later in the season.
Coach Gary Stead said Taylor would bow out as one of New Zealand’s greats. “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,” he added.
Taylor will continue to play for his provincial side Central Districts until the end of the season before making a call on his future in domestic cricket.
Taylor’s achievements include most Test runs by a New Zealander (7,584), most ODI runs (8,581) most ODI 100s for New Zealand (21), most 100s in all formats (40), the first player from any country to make 100 international appearances in each of the three formats, and the highest Test score in Australia by a visiting player (290 at Perth 2015).
