New Zealand batter Ross Taylor to retire from international cricket at end of home summer

Taylor will retire from Tests at the conclusion of the two match Test series against Bangladesh at home.

(Source: Twitter)

New Zealand middle order batter Ross Taylor announced on Thursday (December 30) he will retire from international cricket at the end of the home summer. 

The three ODIs against Netherlands at home will be his last outing in an New Zealand kit. 

He made the announcement on Twitter. 

Today I'm announcing my retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer, two more tests against Bangladesh, and six odi's against Australia & the Netherlands. Thank you for 17 years of incredible support. It's been an honour to represent my country #234 pic.twitter.com/OTy1rsxkYp — Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) December 29, 2021

He wrote: "Today I'm announcing my retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer, two more tests against Bangladesh, and six odi’s against Australia & the Netherlands. Thank you for 17 years of incredible support. It’s been an honour to represent my country #234."

"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."

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 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.

He made his international debut in 2006 in an ODI against West Indies at McLean Park. In 233 ODIs so far, he has scored 8576 runs at an average of 48.18, including 21 centuries. He also played in 102 T20Is, scoring 1909 runs. The last T20 he featured in was against West Indies at Bay Oval in November 2019. 

Taylor will play two more Tests that means he will retire after having represented New Zealand in 112 Tests. In 110 Tests so far, he has scored 7585 runs, with the best of 290. 

With Reuters inputs