Ross Taylor retires from international cricket

New Zealand senior batsman Ross Taylor has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the current domestic season.

The second Test against Bangladesh next month, which will equal Daniel Vettori’s 112 Test record for New Zealand, will be his last Test.

Taylor will not play in the Black Caps Test series against South Africa in February, but will play in the one-day international series against Australia in February, and domestically against the Netherlands in late March and early April.

His fourth ODI against the New Zealand is against the Netherlands on April 4 in Taylor’s hometown of Hamilton.

“It’s been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly lucky to have represented my country as long as I have,” Taylor said in a statement Thursday.

“It is a great privilege to play with some of the best players in the game, to play against them and to create many memories and friendships along the way. But all the good things are coming to an end and the time is right for me.

Today I announce my retirement from international cricket at the end of the domestic summer, with two Tests against Bangladesh and six Tests against Australia and the Netherlands. Thanks for 17 years of excellent support. It is an honor to represent my country # 234 pic.twitter.com/OTy1rsxkYp

– Ross Taylor (RossLTaylor) 29 December 2021

Taylor will retire from New Zealand’s highest score in ODIs and Tests and internationals. He has 7,584 Test runs and 19 centuries, second only to current captain Ken Williamson and second only to Stephen Fleming (8007) in 8,581 ODIs. 21 ODI centuries is a New Zealand record.

Taylor played his first Test against South Africa in 2008 and his first 233 caps against the West Indies in 2006. He also played in 102 20 internationals.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead says Taylor is undoubtedly one of the best players in the country.

“Ross has always been a very respected member of the team and we are grateful for his contributions to the Black Caps in a wonderful life,” Sted said.

“His skills and attitude as a world-class batsman and his ability to function at a high level for so long speak volumes about his longevity and professionalism.”

To ask Embed Tweet Regarding his decision to retire from international cricket at the end of the New Zealand summer. More | https://t.co/mrwiOSFVwT # I downloaded pic.twitter.com/HUiqg6Kw7n

– Black hats (black caps) 30 December 2021

Williamson also praised the performance of his longtime hitting partner.

“Ross has been at the heart of the team for a long time and he can be very proud of making the game the best place in this country,” Williamson said.

“He is a world-class player, our best batsman in such a long time, and I am personally pleased to be involved with him in various forms.

“We shared some great moments together, the most recent World Test Championship final, which was so special.”

New Zealand beat India by 8 wickets in the final of the Test Championship in June.