Ross surpasses Crowe record
WELLINGTON: Ross Taylor achieved a long-held ambition by surpassing mentor Martin Crowe on the all-time century list when he scored 200 as New Zealand remained on course to force a result in the rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh on Monday.
Henry Nicholls also stroked his way to 107 - his fifth Test century - as the hosts declared at 432 for s i x f or a 2 2 1 - r un f i r s t innings lead after tea on the fourth day. Trent Boult and Matt Henry then reduced the visitors to 80 for three and Bangladesh still need another 141 runs to make New Zealand bat again at the Basin Reserve.
Mohammad Mithun was unbeaten on 25 and Soumya Sarkar 12 not out as New Zealand look to force a victory even after the first two days were completely washed out.
Taylor’s 18th Test century, and third double ton, moved him ahead of former New Zealand captain Crowe, who retired with 17 Test hundreds and had spent the last few years of his life mentoring the right-hander. Crowe died from cancer in 2016.
“It has been a while since I made 17,” said Taylor, who moved level with Crowe with 107 against West Indies in late 2017. “17 was such a big number I think neglected 18. “I said to Hogan (Crowe) sorry it’s taken so long but I think he will be proud.”
Taylor brought up his milestone with a six over wide long on against Taijul Islam and then his 200 with three runs off Abu Jayed.
Jayed had earlier bowled a superb over to Taylor when the batsman was dropped twice, had another catch fall agonisingly short and also almost played on when he was on 20.
TARGET
WILLIAMSON INJURED New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who suffered a shoulder injury on the third day, was taken for scans. He picked up the injury when he fell awkwardly trying to stop a ball at gully. Despite the injury, Williamson (74) came to bat and scored handsomely. Brief scores: Bangladesh 211 and 80/3 (T Boult 2/34) vs New Zealand 432/6d (R Taylor 200, H Nicholls 107, A Jayed 3/94)