New Zealand batting great Ross Taylor says he will retire from international cricket after the current domestic season.
The second test against Bangladesh next month, in which he likely will equal Daniel Vettoris record of 112 tests for New Zealand, is slated to be his last.
‘Today I’m announcing my retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer, two more tests against Bangladesh, and six odis against Australia & the Netherlands. Thank you for 17 years of incredible support. Its been an honour to represent my country’ tweeted Taylor.
Ross Taylor will retire as New Zealands top-scorer in international matches. He has 7,584 test runs and 19 centuries, second only to captain Kane Williamson, and 8,581 runs in ODIs, ahead of Stephen Fleming (8,007).
His 21 ODI centuries also are a New Zealand record and cement his place amongst the country’s greats.
Ross Taylor made his Test debut against South Africa in 2008 and played made his ODI debut against West Indies in 2006. He has also played 102 T20 Internationals, becoming the first player to play more than 100 matches for New Zealand in all three formats.
‘Ross has always been a hugely respected member of the side and were thankful for his contributions to the Black Caps over an incredible career,’ NZ coach Gary Stead said.
Captain Kane Williamson also praised the achievements of his long-time batting partner ‘Ross has been at the core of the side for so long and can be extremely proud of having brought the game in this country to a better place,’ Williamson said.
‘Hes a world-class player, our best with the bat over such a long period of time and personally its been a pleasure to be involved in so many partnerships with him across the formats.’ he added.
New Zealand beat India by eight wickets in the World Test Championship final in June this year.