New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the current home season with the upcoming series against Bangladesh being his last Test cricket before he finishes with the ODIs against Australia and Netherlands.
The decision comes only two days from the first Test match against Bangladesh at Mount Maunganui. The 37-year-old will play his last game on April 4 at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Though, Taylor will be available for Central Districts until the end of the season.
Top-scorer in Tests and ODIs
Taylor will retire as New Zealand’s top-scorer in Tests and ODIs. He has 7,584 Test runs and 19 centuries, second to current New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and 8,581 runs in ODIs, ahead of former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming (8,007). His 21 ODI centuries also are a New Zealand record.
Statement 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 ODIs against Australia and the Netherlands," Taylor wrote on Twitter.
“Thank you for 17 years of incredible support. It’s been an honour to represent my country #234."
Taylor made his test debut against South Africa back in 2008 and played the first of his 233 ODI matches against the West Indies in 2006. He also played in 102 T20 international matches, becoming the first player to take part in more than 100 matches for New Zealand in all three formats.
Taylor also holds the record for the highest Test score by a New Zealand cricketer against Australia, after his 290 at the WACA in 2015.
Reactions on Twitter
Australia opener David Warner took to Twitter to wish the New Zealand batter all the luck.
"Well done @RossLTaylor absolutely amazing career and look forward to catching up with you in Australia," Warner wrote on Twitter.
Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan called Taylor a "legend" as he congratulated Taylor on his career.
"What a legend congratulations mate," Khan wrote.
