Ross Taylor who shows his glorious form in the last ODI against India is just a day away from becoming the first cricketer to play 100 test matches. He already competed in 231 ODIs and 100 T20 Internationals while just three weeks away from his 36th birthday.
Taylor – regards Indian bowling
When he speaks about the upcoming test match against India, he warned New Zealand players about the Indian bowling order. Ishant Sharma who returned from injury add benefit for the Indian bowling line. By stating “I think if we just look at Bumrah, we are in trouble. I think their whole bowling lineup is fantastic. Obviously, Sharma coming back will bring new dynamics to the team,” he warned Kiwis to look aftfer the Indian bowling.
“They have got a world-class batting line-up as well and we have to get through that. But they are the No. 1 team in the world for a reason and we know we have to be on our game to be successful against them,” he added.
Regarding the milestone achievement
Speaking about his view on his early days he said : “Yeah, I think so. That shapes you as a person and as a player,” he agreed instantly. “Sometimes it’s not necessarily the runs you get and the good times. It’s how you deal with failures along the way that shape you as a person, as the way you go about your training, as a teammate.
“Sometimes it’s the negative things that make you stronger and more resilient, and that’s what you need to be a Test player,” said Taylor.
Achievement delayed
Taylor would have reached this milestone previously in the match played against Australia in Sydney but terror attack in Christchurch results in cancelling the test against Bangladesh. This made an opportunity for Taylor to complete his 100th test match in front of his friends and family in home.
“David White (NZC CEO) comes in and gives us a talk about what games are coming up and you start doing the math and he actually says Ross, it’s going to be your 100th Test in Sydney. But obviously what happened in Christchurch last year with the shootings at the mosque had moved things back a game.
“But then, things happen for a reason, I believe, and it’s nice for it to happen back home. I don’t know how many people would have traveled to Sydney for it. So it’s nice for it to be here.”
Wishes from former teammates
Brendon McCullum
“I just got a call from Brendon before we got here saying all the best. He said ‘do better than what I did’, I don’t know what he got in his 100th game. I asked if there was any tip on how to deal with tickets and things like that,” he laughed.
Vettori
“I got a message from Vettori as well last night. Obviously, it is a special club to join and it’s nice to hear from fellow players who have been there and done that.”
Speaking about Whether he have enough tickets at his disposal he mentioned that : “I don’t know if I have enough tickets for them all, they are all coming out of the woodwork! All the old coaches and things like that. This is just to thank them for all the sacrifices they have made,” he said.
Retirement postponed
While speaking about his retirement he states that he fix the 2019 world cup match as his deadline for the retirement. His eagerness towards playing and scoring more just postponed his decision of retirement.
“I always said to myself, 2019 World Cup wasn’t a bad place to start thinking about that ‘R’ word. But I still think I am good enough and have a lot more to offer this team both on and off the field.
“I am still as hungry as ever to score runs. After my first series, I wouldn’t have been putting much money on myself to be playing 100 Tests, that’s for sure. I am happy with what has happened,” he added.
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In 24 hours time @RossLTaylor will become the first player to reach 100 caps in Tests, ODIs & T20Is
Tests 99🧢
Average 46.28
Top Score 290ODIs 231🧢
Average 48.69
Top Score 181*T20Is 100🧢
Average 26.51, Strike Rate 122.68
Top Score 63— The Pinch Hitter (@LePinchHitter) February 19, 2020
