Taylor to lead New Zealand; Vettori enjoying paternity leave
With the regular captain Daniel Vettori enjoying his family life, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has chosen Ross Taylor as captain, for the August tri-nation series to be played in Sri Lanka. Two senior players including Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori did not make the squad announced for the series in Dambulla, which also features India. Both Vettori and McCullum would be on paternity leaves during the series, and will also continue with their conditioning program for the hectic season ahead. Pace bowler, Kyle Mills will deputy responsibilities of Taylor.
The chairman selection committee Mark Greatbatch, said the Sri Lanka tour would be a good chance for Taylor to whet his leadership qualities in the absence of Vettori. The chief selector has admired Taylor’s leadership skills. Ross Taylor was appointed as vice-captain for some time at the end of last season when Daniel was injured. He did his job quite successfully bagging the Kiwis a victory against World Champions in Napier earlier this year.
Vettori requested the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to drop him from the Sri Lanka tour as the event is going to happen together with the birth of his second baby and the NZC respecting his wish to spend time with his family permitted him to stay behind. He will also use the period reconditioning him for the exhaustive international schedule ahead.
Brendon McCullum had earlier missed the short visit of United States of America (USA) after the T20 World Cup to rest ahead of upcoming tours. His participation for the Lanka series was already doubtful, as the birth of his second baby was probable in the middle of 2010. The chairman of NZC selectors Greatbatch said the break would help Brendon in the long run.
"He (McCullum) has played over 200 consecutive games for New Zealand and, with a significant schedule ahead that culminates with a World Cup early next year, NZC believes it appropriate that McCullum spends the time reconditioning in New Zealand," Greatbatch said.
Batsman Jesse Ryder and all rounder Grant Elliott are coming back to the squad after recovering from injury lay-offs. Grant Elliott is coming back after being out of the cricket for a long time. Prior to his injury, he had been playing a key role in one day squad of New Zealand. Jesse Ryder is also coming back to the team having recovered an elbow injury that he got during the World T20 in the Caribbean.
Sri Lanka tour will be Kane Williamson ever first international tour with the Kiwis as he gets the chance for his outstanding domestic first-class one day form. He led Blackcaps (New Zealand) in the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008. He made the Test squad for the home series against mighty Australians earlier this year, but is still waiting for his international debut.
The newly appointed Skipper of Blackcaps Ross Taylor has recognized himself as one of the leading batsmen in the New Zealand team in all formats of cricket T20, ODI and test cricket. He considered his appointment as an honour.
"It was a pretty special feeling when the selectors approached me," said Taylor. "While I appreciate it will be a tough tour against quality opposition, it represents a good opportunity for players to experience subcontinent conditions, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon".
The tri-nation series, that along with Blackcaps includes Sri Lanka and India as well, is scheduled from August 10 to 28. The same teams played a tri-series in Sri Lanka last year but the Kiwis failed to make the final at that time. Let’s hope the blackcaps do not revise the history under the leadership of Ross Taylor.
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