Taylor happy to talk up Kane reign
Ross Taylor is predicting ‘‘great things’’ under the leadership of Kane Williamson as the Black Caps look sure to give their new test captain a winning start in Zimbabwe.
Taylor and BJ Watling scored centuries as New Zealand took control on day three of the opening test in Bulawayo yesterday.
Taylor finished unbeaten on 173 and shared a sixth-wicket stand of 253 with Watling (107) to take the touring side to 576-6 declared in their first innings, a lead of 412.
Trent Boult then took three quick wickets as Zimbabwe closed the day on 121-5, still 291 runs short of making New Zealand bat again.
Taylor, a successful former skipper himself who controversially lost the job to McCullum, is predicting a bright era under Williamson who has continued to show the positive approach that has become a trademark of New Zealand teams over the last few years.
‘‘Kane is trying to take a little bit of what Brendon had but put his own stamp on it too,’’ Taylor said.
‘‘He has been very relaxed the way he has gone about it. He’s been great to deal with. Obviously when you are captain you can sometimes look after other stuff but it was nice to see him get some runs yesterday (Williamson hit 91).
‘‘He is a class player and I’m sure over time we will see a great captain evolve and hopefully the team can grow with him as well.’’
Taylor was happy to anchor New Zealand’s massive innings, facing 299 balls in a six-hour stay at the crease that included 19 fours in his 14th test century.
Watling’s 107, after the quick dismissal of night watchman Ish Sodhi (11), came off 172 balls and took 245 minutes as the New Zealanders mixed attack with patience.
Taylor said they had learned plenty from previous experiences in Bulawayo and also the earlier efforts in this match of Williamson and opener Tom Latham (105 off 209 balls). ’’We talked about playing the long game. As it showed with Tom and Kane, your first 20 or 30 balls are quite tough,’’ Taylor said.
Having dismissed Zimbabwe in the first innings for 164, Taylor’s described Williamson’s declaration with a 412 run lead as ‘‘positive’’.
That was backed up by a bright bowling display from Boult in the second innings.
Tim Southee made the initial breakthrough but Boult, who had no success in the first innings, then ripped through the top order with three wickets in the space of five runs.