Ross Taylor retires from International cricket

Veteran New Zealand batter Ross Taylor on Thursday announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the ongoing domestic season. Taylor hence will play his final appearance in the second Test against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, he will equal Daniel Vettori's record of 112 tests for New Zealand in the game against Bangladesh.

Also Read: Every nominee in ICC Awards 2021

The 37-year-old will not feature in the Test series against South Africa. However, he will be part of the ODI series in Australia in February and against the Netherlands at home in late March.

The final ODI in the series against the Netherlands will be played in Taylor's hometown Hamilton. However, that will be Taylor's last appearance for New Zealand on April 4.

"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. But all good things must come to an end and the timing feels right for me,"

Ross Taylor said in a statement on Thursday

Ross Taylor announces his retirement through his twitter post on Thursday

Read Also: Quickest Indian wicket-keeper to 100 test dismissals

Ross Taylor made his Test debut back in 2008 against South Africa. Moreover, he played the first of 233 ODIs against the West Indies in 2006. He has aggregated 7584 Test runs with 19 centuries. Meanwhile, it was the second only to incumbent captain Kane Williamson. Taylor has also smashed 8581 runs in ODIs, ahead of former skipper Stephen Fleming (8007). His 21 ODI centuries also are a New Zealand record.

Taylor has also played 102 T20Is during his career. Meanwhile, he became the first cricketer to play more than 100 matches for New Zealand in all three formats.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Taylor is unquestionably one of the country's greatest players.

"Ross has always been a hugely respected member of the side and we're thankful for his contributions to the Black Caps over an incredible career," Stead said. "His skills and temperament as a batsman have been world-class and his ability to perform at such a high level for so long speaks volumes of his longevity and professionalism."

New Zealand Coach Gary said

Also Read: Most Test wickets by pacers in away tests

Kane Williamson also praised the achievements of his long-time batting partner.

"Ross has been at the core of the side for so long and can be extremely proud of having brought the game in this country to a better place," Williamson said. "He's a world-class player, our best with the bat over such a long period of time and personally it's been a pleasure to be involved in so many partnerships with him across the formats. We've shared some pretty cool moments together — most recently the World Test Championship final which was obviously really special," Kane Williamson expressed.