Ross Taylor plans to keep playing for New Zealand.
The 37-year-old star batsman could be forgiven for preparing himself for life after cricket, but that is certainly not his intention.
Following the side’s World Test Championship heroics over India in England last month, there had been some talk that Taylor would perhaps look towards retirement, but the man himself says he will continue his career at international level for the foreseeable future.
“100 per cent, I’m making myself available,” he told Ian Smith on SENZ Mornings.
“The World Cup and past the New Zealand summer is probably too far out, but I still feel like I’ve got something to offer this team both on and off the field.
“Hopefully I can get through this summer, our winter, and reassess from there.”
Taylor would love to exact revenge on the 50-over World Cup having been a key member of the Blackcaps side that agonisingly lost to England in a dramatic Final of the 2019 edition.
The next World Cup is scheduled to take place in India in October and November in 2023, and it is definitely on Taylor’s agenda even if does seem “too far out” and comes with it’s own complications made by the new world of biosecurity.
“Yeah, that was a goal after losing the (2019) Final,” he added.
“It would be nice to get another opportunity to get to a World Cup. A lot has changed since then in terms of COVID and just jumping on a plane and playing cricket.
“These days it’s all about bubbles and quarantine when you get back in the country. That’s put a spanner in the works, not only for myself, but for a lot of players.
“We’ve got quite a busy schedule coming up, but I think New Zealand is going to send a lot of players because of bubble life and quarantining in these countries is not as easy on your body and in the mental space as well.”
Overall, the slayer of 19 Test and 21 ODI centuries is more than happy to maintain his standing in the Blackcaps lineup for as long as he can.
It is the advice of some former teammates that has helped him craft this mindset.
Taylor added: “I just love playing the game of cricket.
“I love playing for New Zealand, I love playing for Central Districts, and all the past players who have retired tell me that you’re a long time retired so play as long as possible.
“That’s the message that a lot of them are reiterating with me since I’ve got home and even after the (WTC) Final.
“As long as I’m still enjoying my cricket, still want to get better, and still deserve my spot in the team then hopefully I can play for a few more years.”
Despite failing to notch a Test century since 2019, Taylor still averages over 45 with the bat at Test level.
He was in the thick of the action in Southampton in June, scoring the winning runs while at the crease alongside captain Kane Williamson as New Zealand was crowned World Test Champions.
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