Ross Taylor set to retire from international cricket after home season

New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the conclusion of the home Summer. New Zealand are set to play two Test matches against Bangladesh starting on Saturday (January 1). That will be the 37-year-old’s last appearance for the team in the longest format. Meanwhile, the ODI series against Australia and Netherlands will be his final assignment for New Zealand in limited-overs cricket.

Taylor made his international debut in 2006 and since then has been New Zealand’s mainstay in the batting lineup. He has broken several records along the way and is the leading run-scorer for the team in Tests and ODIs.

"It's been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have," Taylor said while announcing his retirement.

"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."

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead paid rich tribute to Taylor saying, he will go down as one of the country’s greatest players. "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.

Taylor has been at the forefront of many amazing moments for New Zealand. The biggest though was the team’s victory in the inaugural edition of the Test Championship (WTC) in Southampton. Fittingly he hit the winning runs and gave plenty of joy to the fans back home.