From Wairarapa to the world, Central Districts Cricket has been incredibly proud to watch ROSS TAYLOR build one of the most significant BLACKCAPS careers in New Zealand history.

With our record-breaking international batsman today announcing that he will retire from Test and ODI cricket this summer, all at CDCA, together with our Central Stags players and past Alumni, wish Rosco all the very best for what will no doubt be a wonderful farewell from the BLACKCAPS arena.

After debuting for the Central Stags in 2002/03, Ross first made the BLACKCAPS in 2005/06 and was already earmarked as a young man with a huge future in the international game.

Says Central Districts High Performance Manager Lance Hamilton, “I was playing in the Stags team in his first year when he first came in as a teenager from Wairarapa.

“But the first time I met Ross, he was actually our dressing room attendant at a first-class  match we were playing in Masterton.

“He was just a young lad then and Mark Greatbatch was our coach, telling us that he was destined for greatness. And it was true.

“It’s the end of an era for the BLACKCAPS.”

Test magic in Perth | PHOTOSPORT

Central Districts CEO Pete de Wet said the upcoming BLACKCAPS Series against Bangladesh and the Netherlands are guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings.

“Ross has had such a significant career and he has brought so much joy to cricket fans, not only in New Zealand, but all around the world.

“It is fitting that he gets to call time on home soil, and I hope that Kiwi fans will go to the grounds to cheer him on as he finishes his international career.

“CD Cricket would like to congratulate one of our own on his stellar international cricket career and we wish him all the very best for what will no doubt be a special farewell from BLACKCAPS cricket.”

Taylor signalled his intentions on the eve of the BLACKCAPS-Bangladesh Walton Test series, starting in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, confirming the two-match series would be his last in the Test whites, before bowing out in the ODIs against Australia and Netherlands later this summer. A mainstay in the BLACKCAPS batting order since making his debut in 2006, Taylor acknowledged it wasn’t an easy decision to make but felt the time was right. 

“It’s been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have,” he said. 

“It’s been such a privilege to play with and against some of the greats of the game and to have created so many memories and friendships along the way. 

“But all good things must come to an end, and the timing feels right for me. 

“I want to thank my family, friends and all those who have helped me get to this point. 

“There’ll be plenty of time for more thank yous and reflections later in the season - but for now I want all my energy and focus to be on preparing and performing for the BLACKCAPS this summer.” 

NZC chief executive David White said everyone knew this day would, eventually, arrive, but noone wanted it to. 

“Ross has been such a successful and influential part of the BLACKCAPS in all three formats that it’s hard to imagine the side without him. 

“He’s been a colossus in the Test team; one of the chief contributors to the success New Zealand has achieved over the past eight or nine years, and one of our few, true batting 'greats'. 

“And he’s also been a giant of the white ball formats – particularly the 50-over game, in which he’s excelled.” 

White said Taylor was a leader, a fighter, and a terrific example for all who played alongside and against him. 

“He’s very much earned the mana and respect he carries today.” 

Taylor said he would remain available for Central Districts until the end of the season before making a decision on whether to continue playing domestic cricket. 

Ross Taylor Records

• Most runs for NZ in Tests (7584)
• Most runs for NZ in ODIs (8581)
• Most runs for NZ over all formats (18,074)
• Most ODI 100s for NZ (21)
• Most 100s for NZ in international cricket (40)
• Most appearances for NZ in international cricket (445)
• One of only four New Zealanders to play 100 tests (Vettori 112, Fleming 111, Taylor 110, McCullum 101)
• First player from any country to make 100 international appearances in each of the three formats
• Most catches for NZ by a fielder in international cricket (346)
• Highest Test score in Australia by a visiting player (290 at Perth 2015). (There's been 432 tests played in Australia)
• This is Taylor's 20th season in first-class cricket.
• Currently the longest surviving NZ first-class player still active (debut 2002/03)  

Article added: Thursday 30 December 2021