New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said refuted rumors of his retirement and is giving no thought to ending his career instead he is looking forward to learning more and getting better.
The 37-year-old played a pivotal role in taking New Zealand to greater heights on the international stage. The swashbuckling batsman has been one of the prolific batters in the Kiwi line-up over the years.
In the recently concluded WTC final, the Kiwi batsman played an important knock of unbeaten 47 runs and added 96* runs partnership with skipper Kane Williamson to take his side home and win the WTC 2021 Final.
Ross Taylor, who is currently in quarantine in New Zealand, said that he wants to keep on playing cricket as long as he can. He admitted that a lot of former cricketers tell him that he should retire while some say that they retired too early.
"I’m still loving the game -- still want to learn and get better, so that’s a good sign. At this stage, I just want to keep on playing cricket, whatever level that is, for as long as I can. A lot of players, past players, tell me you’re a long time retired, and a lot of them told me they felt like they retired too early,” Ross Taylor told reporters on a video call.
WTC 2021 Final: Still got a few games left in me - Ross Taylor rules out retirement plans
Ross Taylor’s batting came under scrutiny following the first Test against England at Lord’s where he scored 14 and 33. However, he made a strong comeback in the second game and smashed 80 runs in the first innings to help New Zealand clinch the series 1-0.
While talking about the same Taylor, 37, said that he is used to age-related jibes and doubts. He added that in spite of this, he has the belief to continue to contribute to the game.
"When you come to my age, there’s always going to be things said about you, about your age and whatnot. It’s been the same thing that I’ve had to deal with my whole career -- but I guess as you get older that’s probably an easier thing to attack.
"But it is what it is, I still love playing the game of cricket, I still feel like I’ve got something to give to this game, both on and off the field,” he said.
Ross Taylor has amassed 7,564 runs at an average of 45.84 in Tests to go with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries.
(Reuters inputs)
