Bangladesh aim to spoil Black Caps’ summer party

If your New Year’s party was marred by a pesky guest who seemed determined to spoil the fun, Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo can relate.

Domingo knows the Black Caps will be in celebration mode when the home summer of test cricket begins at Mt Maunganui this morning.

The opening test against Bangladesh will be their first at home since winning the World Test Championship, while Ross Taylor is kicking off a farewell tour that will bring down the curtain on one of the great New Zealand cricket careers.

But Domingo is determined for his side to play a more irksome role than that of bystander applauding politely in the background. In fact, in the next two weeks, he wants to make Taylor and their hosts miserable.

“We know he’s a quality player and a lot of bowlers will be glad to not have to bowl to him any more,” Domingo said. “We want to make sure he doesn’t have a great sendoff — we want to make sure his sendoff is as miserable as possible. But we know we have to bowl well to get him out these next couple of weeks because he’ll be determined to finish off well.”

Taylor, without a test century since 2019, might be quietly pleased it was Bangladesh who received an invitation to his New Year’s bash.

The 37-year-old averages 53.9 in nine tests against the Tigers, the second-highest mark of any opposition. And Domingo believes Taylor will have his eyes firmly fixed on concluding his test career with century No 20.

“Every quality player wants to finish their career on a high and leave on their own accord, so I’m sure he’ll be up for putting some big scores up over these next couple of weeks.

“It’s sad for New Zealand cricket that he’s leaving — he’s been a great servant for New Zealand cricket, and best of luck to him after this summer with whatever his future plans are.”