Ross Taylor Leading from the front

Ross Taylor

After 23 years, New Zealand will play an international match at the Wankhede Stadium. Off spinner John Bracewell made it memorable then in 1988 with a match-winning eight wicket haul in a Test match against India. John Wright, coach of the New Zealand team was the captain then. On Sunday, Ross Taylor — in the absence of the injured Daniel Vettori — is all set to make it a memorable occasion leading New Zealand for the first time in a World Cup match in a match against Canada. It will be also be New Zealand’s first one-day international at the Wankhede Stadium. Taylor has led his country nine times before.

Ross Taylor

The ‘D’ road venue at Churchgate itself has been renovated at a cost of around Rs. 300 crore, and Taylor appreciated its look. He also touched upon the practice wickets on which his team batted and bowled on Friday and Saturday. “It’s a lovely ground. The new ball did nip around a little bit. The practice wickets have to survive for a couple of more weeks and hence they had more grass than the actual wicket. Today they played even better.

Ross Taylor
The bounce was soft, more like a tennis ball kind. It’s a very nice ground and it’s great to play an international match. So it’s going to be an interesting wicket. And we have a 9.30 a.m. start,” said Taylor happy to return to India with a breathtaking, unbeaten and a match winning 131 against Pakistan at Pallekele.

Ross Taylor

Taylor hopes to score and lead from the front, but highlighted the confidence factor of the team. “We know we are a good side. We believe in each other to put up good performances. The confidence in the camp is getting higher. Once you are on a roll, and in cricket, if there is some momentum going, you get a bit of confidence from it and start playing better.”

Ross Taylor

New Zealand is likely to field either seamer Hamish Bennett or left arm spinner Luke Woodcock for Vettori. “It’s still Dan’s team and he would be consulted. We are still working towards having Dan against Sri Lanka (March 18). His injury may not completely heal in the next two weeks. We don't know, but he is looking healthy at the moment. We always consult Dan.”