Veteran New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, on Wednesday (June 16), admitted that he would have been retired two years back if the Black Caps had won the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England.
Taylor was part of the New Zealand squad that had suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the World Cup 2019 final, as the hosts England had won the maiden trophy on the boundary counts after original and super over both tied at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground in 2019.
Ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against India starting on June 18 at Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Taylor said he might have retired from the international cricket if New Zealand had won the 2019 World Cup final against England, saying the title defeat was “disappointing”.
Taylor during a virtual press conference on Wednesday, “It was disappointing to have lost that match at Lord's a couple of years ago. I guess, when you lose, you feel that it might be the last time you are playing a World Cup final, so it is nice for me to be here. If we did win that game, I might have retired after that. I am glad I did not, and I am here today.”
On being asked about how strong the Indian unit is for the WTC 2021 Final, Taylor said: “India has been a fantastic side for a long period of time -- not only their batters but also their bowlers. They won a series against Australia in its home summer, and it was great to watch. It was nice for the New Zealand public to see some world-class bowling against a very good Australian attack.”
The 37-year-old right-hander added, “They have a fair lot of success here as well. I am sure in the warm-up games or bowling at the nets, they would have enjoyed the swing and the bounce that the Duke's ball has. We are looking forward to the challenge. You go through the Indian line-up, and there are just world-class players throughout. Whatever side they decide to go with, it will have world-class players. India has been a world No. 1 side for a long time. They will be very tough opposition.”
Recently, New Zealand defeated England in the two-match Test series to clinch the series 1-0 in Birmingham this weekend and Taylor said it was great preparation for the WTC Final against India.
He signed off by saying, “It was an ideal preparation, having played two Test matches against England in these conditions. Cannot think of anything better.”
(With ANI Inputs)
