Veteran New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has insisted that the Black Caps are better prepared this time for the title clash, saying they are ready to take on either Australia or hosts England in the World Cup 2019 final to be held at Home of Cricket – Lord’s on Sunday, 14th July.
He was thrilled with New Zealand’s stunning win over red-hot title favorites India in the semi-final on Wednesday, and is excited to play the summit clash at the iconic ground while saying there is no best place to play World Cup final than Lord’s.
According to a report at ICC’s official website, Taylor said after Manchester match, “I’d be lying if I said we weren’t a bit overawed by the change of scenery. I think we know what to expect, the pressures that come with it, we’ve been there before.”
While suggesting the Black Caps to just enjoy the moment on the big day at Lord’s, Taylor noted, “You just have to enjoy it, it’s the Home of Cricket, I can’t think of a better place to play a final. Whether it’s England or Australia, we have to enjoy the moment, put our best foot forward and hope for the best.”
Meanwhile, Taylor, who played a crucial role in New Zealand reaching the final with a top score of 74 against India, said Manchester match gave him Test match feeling against India.
He added, “I woke up at three in the morning so I didn’t know how I was going to go out and bat. It was such a strange one, it was a Test match feeling almost, being not out overnight and being a bit restless.”
The veteran also said that the Kiwis were looking for 240 plus score against India as that was very tough to chase at a very slow wicket of Manchester and they did the same on Wednesday.
He added, “We talked about 240 being what Kane (Williamson) and I thought was a very competitive total. I don’t think a lot of people believed in us. It was a really slow wicket and if anything, it got better to bat once it rained.”
Taylor signed off by saying, “The big boys up front were fantastic getting those three wickets and from there it was nice to be ahead of the game. Jadeja and Dhoni nearly took it away from us. There was some brilliance out there, the catch of Neesham, the run-out of Guptill without even the keeper there. Those highlights in a few years’ time will be something the team will never forget.”
(With PTI Inputs)
