New Zealand legend Ross Taylor to retire from international cricket after upcoming home season

On Thursday, New Zealand star Ross Taylor confirmed that he would retire from international cricket at the end of Black Cap’s home season. Taylor, who began his international career in March 2006 against West Indies, took to Twitter to announce that he will hang his boots after the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and ODI legs versus Australia and the Netherlands.

“Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer, two more tests against Bangladesh, and six odi’s against Australia & the Netherlands. Thank you for 17 years of incredible support. It’s been an honour to represent my country #234,” wrote Taylor on Twitter.

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Today I’m announcing my retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer, two more tests against Bangladesh, and six odi’s against Australia & the Netherlands. Thank you for 17 years of incredible support. It’s been an honour to represent my country #234 pic.twitter.com/OTy1rsxkYp

— Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) December 29, 2021

Notably, Taylor is the first international player to feature in 100 games in each of the three formats. So far, Taylor has played 110 Tests, 233 ODIs and 102 T20Is, scoring 7585, 8576, and 1909 runs, respectively.

The Wellington-born has smashed 19 hundreds and 35 half-centuries in the longest format. When it comes to the ODIs, Taylor has 21 tons and 51 fifties to his name. Similarly, in the shortest format, the right-handed batter has hit seven half-centuries.

“It’s been an amazing journey, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have. It’s been such a privilege to play with and against some of the greats of the game and to have created so many memories and friendships along the way,” said Taylor in a statement.

“But all good things must come to an end, and the timing feels right for me. I want to thank my family, friends, and those who have helped me get to this point. There’ll be plenty of time for more thank-yous and reflections later in the season – but for now, I want all my energy and focus to be on preparing and performing for the Black Caps this summer,” he added.