Ross Taylor- Kiwi’s captain for Tri Series in Sri Lanka
New Zealand has decided to rest their two most senior men, Danniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum, in the Tri Series in Sri Lanka. They will not be part of the touring party. Hence, the captaincy has been given to one of their most potent middle order batsmen; Ross Taylor will lead the black caps in August in the 3 nation series.
The series will have two teams from the sub-continent; hosts, Sri Lanka, and India along with New Zealand.
There will be some new faces making their debut in the tournament, Kane Williamson will finally get a chance to play for his country’s senior team. Kane was named in the New Zealand test against Australia but could not get a first team call up. The youngster made his name in 2008 when he led New Zealand in the under-19 world cup in Malaysia.
Chairman of selectors Mark Greatbatch, believes Taylor has long been touted as the man to take on the reigns in future and it may be the perfect time for him to test his leadership skills.
Greatbatch said, now that Daniel is not part of the squad in Sri Lanka, it provides an opportunity for Taylor to develop his captaincy skills. Greatbatch added that Ross was deputy to Vettori for a good part in the last season, and did a great job of leading New Zealand to a win against Australia in Napier when Daniel was injured.
The former left handed opening batsman added that the only reason Vettori is not part of the squad for Sri Lanka is purely because the New Zealand board respects his request of wanting to spend some time with his family.
McCullum also opted out of the short tour to USA right after the world cup where they played two T-20s against Sri Lanka, and he has decided to stay back because he is expecting the birth of his first child in middle of the year. The break is expected to benefit the wicketkeeper batsman in the long run.
McCullum has not had any time off from international cricket for a while, having played over 200 consecutive games for the black caps. Considering the busy schedule ahead this would be a welcome rest for him.
The tri series will also see all rounder Grant Elliott and batsman Jesse Ryder making their way back in the side after being injury-ridden.
Greatbatch said that, Grant Elliott will be back after some time off due to his fitness problems, he surely is a very important player purely based on his all round abilities.
Greatbatch added that Jesse Ryder, the aggressive left handed opening batsman, will be returning after recovering from an elbow injury during the T20 World Cup in the West Indies. Also, Kane Williamson will make his debut with the Blackcaps as he deserved a call up after his consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Coming back to Taylor, the stylish right hander has established himself as one of the most prolific batsmen in the team, regardless of the game format. Taylor said he will be honoured to lead his country and will do all he can to come up with the goods. Taylor said while he is delighted to lead the team, the challenge of playing in Sri Lanka and also taking on 2 of the best teams in the world will not be easy. Having said that, it will be a good chance for the whole team to get accustomed to the sub -continental pitches ahead of the world cup.
New Zealand has not won a major multination tournament for a long while, their only big win was when they won the ICC champions trophy back in 2000.
Tags: