New Zealand’s middle-order batsman Ross Taylor has etched his name in record books as he became the first cricketer to play 100 international matches in all three formats. As soon as he walked onto the field on Day 1 of the first Test against India on Friday at Basin Reserve in Wellington, Taylor made history.
Taylor, who recently played his 100th T20I vs India in January, has also played 231 ODIs for Black Caps. He is already the country’s leading run-scorer in Tests and ODIs with 7174 and 8570 runs to his name, respectively.
Test match No.💯 for Ross Taylor! 🙌
He becomes the first player ever to play 100 matches in all three international formats! 🎉 #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/GxmK3IufDK
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2020
To acknowledge the special achievement, the 35-year-old walked out for the national anthem accompanied by his kids MacKenzie and Jonty.
🎶 In the bonds of love we meet 🎶
🏏 A moving moment as @RossLTaylor celebrates the opening of his 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th @BLACKCAPS Test Match alongside his children and his teammates, as his family watch on from the stands #TaylorTon #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/qmT9cSS89V
— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) February 20, 2020
When it comes to the Test format, Taylor became the fourth Kiwi player to reach such feat. Before him, Daniel Vettori (112), Stephen Fleming (111) and Brendon McCullum (101) have accomplished the landmark.
Ross Taylor becomes the 4th New Zealander to play 100 Test matches; joining Daniel Vettori, Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum
Taylor also becomes the 1st cricketer to play 100+ Tests, 100+ ODIs and 100+ T20Is#NZvIND #BackTheBlackCaps #TaylorTon 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/RGbezfNg7a
— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) February 20, 2020
In the match, New Zealand had won the toss and elected to bowl on a green wicket with breezy, and overcast conditions. The host made full use of bowling friendly conditions and ripped apart visitors batting line-up.
Debutant Kyle Jamieson exhibited outstanding bowling and struck three wickets in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara (11), Virat Kohli (2), and Hanuma Vihari (7). At Stumps, India were 122-5.
Rain falling steadily during tea. Big covers on across the @BasinReserve block. India 122/5 Scorecard | https://t.co/vWdNIMMIwd #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/z4Ol4Har2N
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 21, 2020
