New Zealand plan perfect Taylor farewell against Bangladesh

(Reuters) - New Zealand plan to give retiring Ross Taylor the perfect send off when they face Bangladesh in a two-test series beginning in Mount Maunganui tomorrow, with the tourists’ hopes of playing party poopers dimmed by the absence of talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

World test champions New Zealand are without regular skipper Kane Williamson, who has been sidelined by a nagging elbow injury which flared up during their 1-0 series loss in India earlier this month.

Stand-in skipper Tom Latham, however, will welcome back fast bowlers Trent Boult and Neil Wagner as the home side aim to rattle Bangladesh with pace.

New Zealand have dropped Ajaz Patel barely three weeks after the left-arm spinner bagged all 10 India wickets in Mumbai, keeping all-rounder Rachin Ravindra as their lone spin option.

There will be no shortage of motivation in Taylor’s last series after the 37-year-old announced his decision to quit international cricket in New Zealand’s home summer.

“His experience has held the side together on countless occasions and his catching record speaks for itself,” coach Gary Stead said of the 37-year-old.

“There’s no doubt we’re going to miss him when he’s gone.

“I know Ross is really focused on performing well in these remaining series and going out on the right note.”