New Zealand veteran batter Ross Taylor on Thursday (December 30) announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the upcoming home season. Test series against Bangladesh in January and ODI series against Australia and Netherlands next year will be his last appearance for the New Zealand team.
New Zealand will tour Australia at the end of January and the final ODI of the series will be played on February 5. Taylor will then play his last series for the Blackcaps in March-April when they will host the Netherlands.
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"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 Thursday.
"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," he added.
The 37-year-old has played 110 Tests, 233 ODIs, and 102 T20I matches for New Zealand, making him the first cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats. He is also the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in Test and ODI cricket.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead called Taylor one of the greatest cricketers from their country and said, “Ross has always been a hugely respected member of the side and 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."
The Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson lauded the veteran batter and termed him as a 'world-class player' while speaking on their partnerships. "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,” Williamson said.
“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.”
