Ross Taylor To Play 2 Warm-Up Matches For New Zealand XI Before Farewell Series Against Netherlands

Veteran Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor will play two warm-up matches as part of the New Zealand XI before his farewell series against the Netherlands. The series consists of one T20I followed by three ODIs between March 25 to April 4. The series starts with the one-off T20I on March 25 followed by the three ODIs.

The match will be played in Napier next week. The coaching staff will see the return of BJ Watling who retired from Test cricket after the WTC final against India. Along with him will be Paul Wiseman along with Auckland bowling coach Azhar Abbas. Ross Taylor said he was excited to join the NZ XI and grateful to get some game time ahead of his final series for the Kiwis.

“I’m looking forward to getting down to Napier and playing on one of my favourite grounds in McLean Park. It’s a great opportunity to get some time in the middle after missing the latest round of the Plunket Shield and it will also be useful to have a look at the touring team ahead of the ODI series. I’m looking forward to sharing the dressing room with some new and younger faces who I hope I can help by passing on some knowledge” said Taylor.

The team will be led by in-form Wellington Firebirds skipper Michael Bracewell. A few players including Bracewell are in contention for a call-up in the ODI squads with 12 Kiwi players scheduled to play in the IPL during that series.

Great Opportunity To Get Some Time In The Middle: Ross Taylor

Taylor made his ODI and T20I debut back in 2006. He made his Test debut in 2007. Since then, he has played four World Cups for the Kiwis and was one of the most consistent run-scorers across formats. He was a part of the Kiwi squad which won the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship.

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