NZ vs ENG 2018: Ross Taylor to Undergo Fitness Test Before Fifth ODI

Ross Taylor is all set to undergo a fitness test which will decide his availability for the fifth ODI against England.

The right-handed batsman played through multiple injuries during the fourth ODI, which has put his participation for the fifth ODI in jeopardy.

Taylor, who was batting well, suffered pain when he dived to make his ground in the later overs of New Zealand’s chase. He struggled to bat from that point of time but did not retire. Later, he also felt pain in his right forearm after playing a cut shot.

He seemed to be in discomfort during his innings, but with support coming from other ends, Taylor drove New Zealand to glory.

Battling through a few pains, Taylor played an emphatic inning of 181* off 147 to help New Zealand get better of England by chasing a target of 336.

The home side had a torrid start, as they lost the first two wickets on a score of two, with the openers failing to open their account.

Skipper Kane Williamson and Taylor steered team’s score to 86 before the captain got dismissed.

Tom Latham and Taylor put New Zealand after the chase and shared 187 runs for the fourth wicket.

In the end, a six from Henry Nicholls’ bat in the last over did the job for New Zeland, but it was Taylor who was the star of the evening. He was also awarded Man of the match for his gritty knock. Though, it came at the expense of fitness.

He already missed the third ODI of the series due to a quad strain.

Though, he endured few body issues and will miss the fifth contest if not 100% fit. If he is ruled out, it will come as a big blow for New Zealand, who have ensured the fifth ODI should not be a dead rubber.

Mark Chapman might walk in the playing XI to replace Taylor. He has played two ODIs in the series but has just managed nine runs.

It’s the decider contest, and the winner will clinch the five-match ODI series.

The fifth and final ODI of the series will be played on March 10 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Post the ODI series, both the teams will play two-match Test series.

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