(Info4now, January 8, 2022)- It’s not a common scenario that an Asian team visits New Zealand and attains a comprehensive victory. But Bangladesh were fantastic enough to go 1-0 up. With Ebadot Hossain breaking the defence of the Kiwi batsmen in the last game, they will fancy their chances to continue it in Christchurch in the NZ vs BAN 2nd Test.
It’s the last appearance of Ross Taylor in International Cricket: NZ vs BAN 2nd Test, Christchurch
A silent legend of cricketing world Ross Taylor to retire just after the tomorrow’s contest. It was all scripted. After playing a home series, he will retire and retire as the most-capped for New Zealand along with legendary Fleming. But a middle order patience in the batting department of Bangladesh and a fiery Ebadot Hossain come before a fairy tale finish.
An across formats No. 4 player Ross Taylor has been carrying the load of the nation for a long time. He is the highest run getter for his side and an eye witness of the rise and fall of his team. In the post Fleming era of New Zealand cricket, it was just better than the average. They hardly played poor cricket. They made the semi finals in two consecutive World Cups—2007 and 2011.
Captain Ross Taylor steps down after a short period of leadership. McCullum leads his team to 2015 World Cup final. They lost to Australia and Taylor stuck to wicket for a long time. He holds the record of scoring the highest single innings score(290) by any visiting batsman on Australian soil.
Not even being in the race of the Word Cup Championship in 2019, they make semi-final. In the semi final against India, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson create a solid defence and take the team to the final once again. Unlucky Taylor drops the trophy, as New Zealand lose to England just by boundary counts.
A world class recognition was just an inch away for the Kiwis. Of Course, there was no Daniel Vettori for them. But the emergence of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and young Jamieson were hunting something to which they had been very close. They needed an experienced Ross Taylor and a sharp Williamson on the field. They won the first ever World Test Championship last year and just missed the T20 World Cup.
Tomorrow’s game will be the last international appearance for this legend of the game of bat and ball. New Zealand must be back with their most capable force of bowling. Stand-in Latham must be in pressure. The absence of Williamson is a huge blow. If it’s a team game, there are Ross Taylor himself, Tim Southee and Trent Boult to help Latham to create the best opportunity to level the series.
To Conclude
It’s a fantastic seam friendly wicket at Hagley Oval. The sub-continent turfs being a spin friendly, every Asian fast bowler jumps into the game hoping some assistance. Bangladeshi bowlers really set it up nicely in the last game and now a big threat for the Kiwis. But what New Zealand must look forward to is to unsettle the Tigers with their quality pace attacks. If New Zealand show any resistance with the bat, we expect with our fingers crossed a good knock from Ross Taylor one final time in the NZ vs BAN 2nd Test.