New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor will retire from Test cricket after the two-match series against Bangladesh, and play his last limited-overs internationals against Australia and the Netherlands over the home summer.
The 37-year-old has been a ‘Black Caps mainstay since his 2007 Test debut, amassing a New Zealand record 7,584 runs in 110 matches at an average of 44.87.
One of only four New Zealanders to play 100 Tests, he also holds the nation’s record in one-day international runs (8,581) and centuries (21), and was the world’s first to play in 100 internationals in all formats.
“It’s been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have,” the former captain said in a statement.
“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.”
(Photo by Nathan Stirk-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Taylor hit the winning runs as New Zealand beat India to claim the inaugural World Test Championship in Southampton this year but speculation over his career has grown since a recent rough patch in India where he failed to surpass 11 runs in four innings.
The Bangladesh series starts in Mount Maunganui on New Year’s Day.
Coach Gary Stead said Taylor would bow out as one of New Zealand’s greats.
“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,” he said.
“His experience has held the side together on countless occasions and his catching record speaks for itself. There’s no doubt we’re going to miss him when he’s gone.”
Taylor is New Zealand’s highest ever Test run-scorer, while his 294 in Perth on the Black Caps’ 2015-16 tour of Australia remains the highest ever by a visiting batter down under.
Tributes have quickly poured in for the veteran, with long-time foe David Warner among those praising Taylor’s influence on the game.
Taylor will continue to play for his provincial side Central Districts until the end of the season before making a call on his future in domestic cricket.
Tony
Roar Guru
What a player. Tough, talented and never afraid to take the fight to the bowlers. Well played Ross.
Bobbo7
Guest
Its time. His form has been off, he's 38 soon and we have Conway and Young who are better all format options now. Saying all that, Taylor has been a great player for NZ. Pleased he got to win the WTC.
Gabe F
Roar Rookie
Jeez, Ross Taylor retiring. What a player. Feel sorry for the Kiwis now.
Linphoma
Guest
Champion. Champion cricketer. Champion bloke. Such a career. The captaincy issue is irrelevant to the legacy LPRL Taylor has contributed to cricket across the ditch. Salutations and put your feet up mate.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Tuesday was cancelled, got on yesterday, and they played three games today instead of two, so we got paid extra.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Yep, two double centuries and four centuries in the test. I always hated fielding (when I wasn't keeping) - that game would have been horrible. Did you get on for the Country Cup during the week?
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
If pitches like the one Taylor made those 290 on ever became the norm, I think every single bowler in the world would go on permanent strike.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
A legend of NZ cricket. Got a feeling he’s smashing two double tons vs Bangladesh now would hate to be a Bangladesh bowler rn
Redcap
Roar Guru
Taylor's 294 hastened Mitchell Johnson's retirement from test cricket. I imagine there are a few batsmen grateful to him for that.
maverick
Roar Rookie
What an incredible performer he has been over a decade! A credit to his family, a credit to his country and most importantly a credit to our great game.
Paul
Roar Guru
When he was at the top of his game, Ross Taylor was a good a bat as there was in world cricket. I hope he can finish strongly in his last few appearances for the Black Caps.
We Play Now
Roar Rookie
Really happy that he got to go out on his own terms, and not waiting until he didn't get picked for a squad or a tournament. Great servant of the game for the Black Caps, was a constant through their rise. Survived the captain/not captain saga pretty well in the end and will go down as one of the great of the NZ game. Well done...