Taylor doesn’t want to finish second best
The Aussie skipper is inarguably one of the best batsmen in the world right now and after his brilliant run with Pune in IPL, he will be a trump card for his team. The 29-year old showed off his batting prowess in the warm-up game against Australia and if he can continue his run, SL can start dreaming about lifting the trophy. The all-rounder has been wrecker-inchief for England in their series win over SSouth Africa and his form will be a major source of concern for all the other teams The 28-year old has a reputation of being a ‘Test-match specialist’, but his discipline and technique has made him into a valuable part of the batting line up in ODIs.
Ross Taylor is matter-of-fact when he reviews his career and previews New Zealand’s Champions Trophy hopes: is this the year he adds a world title to his list of credentials?
The elder statesman of New Zealand cricket, known for poking out his tongue on reaching a century, has stamped his mark on the game over 11 illustrious years at the top.
Taylor has stroked a New Zealand record 17 one-day centuries, is one behind the country’s Test best with 16, and with no plans to retire before the 2019 World Cup he has the New Zealand records for the most runs in both formats firmly in his sights.
But his status as one of New Zealand’s greats does not count as much as team records for Taylor who lists “any time it’s a world tournament” as his cricket priority. The Test captain is one of the most experienced members and the veteran wicketkeeper is a mainstay of his team’s middle order. Leaving a legacy of being second is not something the 33-yearold wants. In 87 years of international cricket since New Zealand played their first Test in 1930, the only tournament they have won was when they beat India in the 2000 Champions Trophy final.
Since Taylor joined the side six years later the trophy cabinet has been bare, he notes, when asked to name his career highlights ahead of his fourth Champions Trophy tournament.
“Beating Australia 3-0 in the Chappell-Hadlee in 2007, the last World Cup (when New Zealand made the final for the first time) was pretty special and making the final of the (2009) Champions Trophy was a highlight,” he said.
Taylor senses this New Zealand side can put the runners-up tag to bed despite being only fourth in the ODI rankings behind South Africa, Australia and India and just ahead of England. ‘Killer Miller’ has made his name as one of the most destructive batsmen in the world and his performances vs England is a sign of his renewed confidence. The 25-year old was the first left-arm chinaman to play for Sri Lanka and the tournament will be a perfect platform for him to establish himself on the global stage. The left-arm pacer was a surprise star for MI in IPL 2017 and with the English conditions favouring his style of bowling, he will be an asset to the
Kiwis. The powerful opening batsman has proven himself in tournaments all around the world and he can be a good back-up to have for
England. His knack of taking crucial wickets and his effective batting performances at No. 7 has made him a crucial part of the England cricket team.