Top five knocks of Ross Taylor in international cricket

While Ross Taylor has announced that he is going to retire from international cricket post-New Zealand’s home season, he will definitely go down as one of the greatest players his country has ever seen. Over the years, he has played several memorable knocks and has gone on to receive appreciation from one and all. However, which are his greatest knocks of all time? Today, we shall be taking a look at the 5 best knocks of Ross Taylor’s cricket career.

5) 74 vs India (2019):

While this wasn’t a hundred or double hundred, this knock consisted of severe perseverance and temperament. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Blackcaps were struggling, and the runs were coming at a relatively slow rate. However, the right-handed batter took the onus on himself and scored a magnificent 74 against India. This effort by Taylor propelled his side to defeat the Kohli-led side, and reach the 2019 ODI WC final.

4) 217 vs West Indies (2013):

It would be safe to say that Dunedin was arguably Taylor’s favourite ground. While he has many memorable knocks over here, his 217 against the West Indies in 2013 was one of his best. While his knock came off 319 deliveries, it included 23 boundaries.

3) 131* vs Pakistan (2011):

The 37-year-old’s unbeaten 131 during the 2011 ODI WC against Pakistan is arguably one of his most famous knocks. While coming to bat at 55-2, the batter hit the Pakistani bowlers to all parts of the ground. He even went on to score 28 and 30 runs off Shoaib Akhtar and Abdul Razzaq, respectively. Thus, owing to this knock, New Zealand defeated Pakistan for the first time in 28 years.

2) 181 vs England (2018):

While chasing big totals can be tricky, this knock by the Kiwi batter is an ideal example of how a batter should go about chasing a mammoth total. After being asked to bat first, England put up 335 on the board and looked all set to win the fourth ODI, and clinch the series. However, an inhuman effort by Taylor, which saw him score an unbeaten 181 from 147 deliveries saw him single-handedly win the game for his side. The fact that this knock came on his Birthday was an absolute ‘icing over the cake’ moment.

1) 290 vs Australia (2015):

His 290 against the mighty Aussies at the WACA is arguably one of the greatest knocks by a Kiwi batter ever. While the conditions at Perth are generally bowler-friendly, the legend ensured that his team go on to save the Test. This legendary knock included 43 boundaries. The fact that it came against world-class bowlers like Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon and Johnson makes this knock even more special.