The Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor has achieved a record of most runs for New Zealand in Test cricket. He has surpassed former Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming who has 7172 Test runs to his name.
During the 18th over of New Zealand’s second innings in the Sydney Test, Taylor lifted a tossed-up delivery bowled by spinner Nathan Lyon to mid-on. He took three runs and became the leading run-scorer in Tests for New Zealand (7174).
Ross Taylor becomes the leading Test run-scorer for New Zealand; passing Stephen Fleming’s record of 7,172 runs#AUSvNZ 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/q6IPpJAWOW
— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) January 6, 2020
A former team-mate of Taylor and currently the commentator, Brendon McCullum, appreciated Taylor’s achievement.
“A truly remarkable moment for Ross Taylor, his family, and all involved in NZ Cricket,” said McCullum.
“A truly remarkable moment for Ross Taylor, his family and all involved in NZ Cricket.” @Bazmccullum perfectly summing up a monumental moment for his old team-mate on @Channel7 #AUSvNZ #records #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/R25EztybXz
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 6, 2020
“Special mention to his (Taylor’s) idol and mentor Martin Crowe. He’ll be somewhere up high above in the heavens looking down congratulating Ross Taylor,” added McCullum.
.@Bazmccullum on Ross Taylor becoming the leading run scorer in New Zealand Test cricket history #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/YVhr90RdNk
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 6, 2020
Taylor is also close to reaching the most Test matches feat for New Zealand. The third Test against Australia in Sydney was his 99th. Former left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has played the most number of Tests for New Zealand (112), followed by Fleming (111) and McCullum (101).
ROSS TAYLOR ➞ 7174*
Stephen Fleming ➞ 7172
Brendon McCullum ➞ 6453
Kane Williamson ➞ 6379
Martin Crowe ➞ 5444Taylor is now New Zealand's highest run-scorer in Tests! 🙌#AUSvNZ | @BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/8qxmjFIXaQ
— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2020
Nice one @RossLTaylor…. top of the pile matey 👊🏻😎 Congrats Rosco 👏🕺 @BLACKCAPS #pleasekickonawhileyet #AUSvNZ #SCG
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) January 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/Bazmccullum/status/1214048855567634432
Meanwhile, Australia thrashed New Zealand by 279 runs to sweep the series 3-0.