Form and fitness will decide whether 2023 WC is a realistic possibility: Ross Taylor

Taylor, 35, has been one of New Zealand's most prolific run-getters in 50-over cricket.

Ross Taylor | Getty

Ross Taylor says he might not be around to take part in New Zealand's 2023 World Cup campaign if he feels his form and fitness aren't on par with the required standards. 

The veteran batsman, who will on Friday (February 21) become the first cricketer to turn up in hundred internationals each across formats with the first Test against India in Wellington, has been a prolific run-getter for the Black Caps in white-ball cricket. But at 35, he also realises he'll be at the wrong end of the thirties by the time the next World Cup in India begins. 

Read Also: Never thought I would play Tests again after debut series, reveals Ross Taylor ahead of 100th Test

"I haven't ruled it (2023 World Cup) out but I still think it's a long way away," stuff.co.nz quoted Taylor as saying. "First and foremost I want to get to next year - the T20I World Cup and then the home summer - and then I'll have a good idea on how I'm placed at the end of next summer."

"Whether there is still a drive, whether I'm good enough, whether I'm fit enough, and whether I deserve my spot in the side. If I can tick all those, then definitely 2023 is an option."

Taylor, who has always come across as a determined individual, says he wouldn't be putting too much pressure on himself to get the desired results in future. "You always want to do well and first and foremost the game is more important. At the same time, you can put extra pressure on yourself," he said. "You've just got to go out and enjoy it and take it as another game. Hopefully, I can contribute in any way I can."

Taylor will also become only the fourth New Zealander to play 100 Tests behind Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum and he credits his mentor Martin Crowe for reaching this far. 

"He (Crowe) saw something in me that I never did. I was pretty happy to play one Test; to play 100 Tests is pretty special."

"There's still a game to play and contribute to, but at the same time, you've got to acknowledge the achievement and the fact a lot of people helped you out along the way," he added.

(Inputs from stuff.co.nz)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 18 Feb, 2020

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