After becoming New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket, batsman Ross Taylor broke down in tears while remembering his mentor and former Kiwi legend Martin Crowe during the post-match press conference.
After the conclusion of the Test series against Australia, which the hosts won by 3-0, Taylor couldn’t hold back his emotions and said he wasn’t sure that he was good enough to play the longest format. The 35-year-old said that his goal was to play just one Test match for the country, but his mentor Crowe had the vision of watching him becoming the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in Tests.
“My goal was to play one Test match. I guess it’s an emotional time because my mentor Martin Crowe – that was one of the goals he put down for me was to be New Zealand’s highest Test run-scorer. To be honest, I didn’t believe him, but I’d have loved for him to be here and help celebrate,” said Taylor.
“When I first played for New Zealand, I’d had a pretty decent one-day career and only scored three or four first-class hundreds. And T20 was just coming through. I always thought I was good enough to play one-day cricket but Test cricket was something I was never quite sure if I was good enough,” added Taylor.
An emotional @RossLTaylor after becoming our all-time Test runs record holder. Legend. 😌 #AUSvNZ #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/d25Wr66by3
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 7, 2020
On the fourth day of the third Test against Australia, Taylor went pass former New Zealand’s skipper Stephen Fleming and became the leading run-scorer (7174) for his country.
Taylor said that records are always meant to be broken, and that’s why he is trying to set a target, which current batsman Kane Williamson can look forward to break.
“Records are meant to be broken and Flem set a very high standard, and for me, I am trying to get as many runs before I do retire to give Kane something to chase. He’s got a fantastic record and will go down as one of our greatest cricketers, but we need him to have something to strive for,” Taylor added further.
Taylor will play his 100th Test against India in the next series. The Black Caps will now take on Virat Kohli-led side in five T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. The first T20I will take place on January 24 at Eden Park, Auckland.
