We Love Being The Underdogs; Being Favourites Probably Doesn't Sit Well With Us: Ross Taylor

New Zealand veteran batsman Ross Taylor has been a significant figure in their ranks as the nation has asserted its dominance across formats in the last two years. Yet, New Zealand has often stayed as the underdogs in most of the ICC events and while facing some of the top sides. But Ross Taylor feels that the Kiwis fancy their role as the underdogs as it helps them compete better.

New Zealand recently topped the ODI rankings, following which also climbed to the summit of the Test rankings by defeating England in their backyard. Their team, sans the likes of Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Tim Southee, and Kyle Jamieson beat the hosts comfortably in Edgbaston to inflict England’s first home Test series loss in seven years.

Nevertheless, ahead of the ICC Test Championship final against India, many do not consider them as overwhelming favourites. The Black Caps beat India comprehensively in the most recent Test series against them and destroyed the men in blue in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Yet, several experts have backed Virat Kohli’s men to defeat New Zealand and lift the mace.

I think we play better when our backs are against the wall: Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor, New Zealand’s most experienced player at the moment, underlined that a country with 1.4 billion competing consistently against a nation with a five million population is a testament to everybody. The veteran highlighted they love being the underdogs and perform well when they are most under pressure. Taylor believes New Zealand prefer going a little under the radar.

“5 million playing against 1.4 billion. For us to even get a side that can compete consistently is a testament to everybody. We love being the underdogs, that’s just the Kiwi psyche. I think we play better when our backs are against the wall. Being favorites probably doesn’t sit with us as well as it does with other teams. We like to be the underdogs and go under the radar a little,” Taylor said in a clip unveiled by the ICC.

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