Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)
Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)
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Ross Taylor Will Turn Out For New Zealand XI Before Bidding Farewell In His Final ODI Series

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Ross Taylor will turn out for the New Zealand XI against the Netherlands in Napier next week to get some game-time before he bids farewell to international cricket in his final ODI series later this month.

Paul Wiseman will lead the coaching staff and will be supported by Auckland pace bowling coach Azhar Abbas and former New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling.

BJ Watling retired after WTC Final | Photo: Blackcaps
BJ Watling retired after WTC Final | Photo: Blackcaps

Ross Taylor Will Play The 2nd One Day Warm-Up Match And Solitary T20I Against the Netherlands

BJ Watling has been working in the ND coaching network for the past couple of seasons and was the head coach for ND A this season. Ross Taylor was ruled out of the Plunket Shield match on Friday for the Central Stags for being a COVID-19 ‘household contact’.

The 38-year-old will turn out against the touring Dutch at McLean Park in the second one-day warm-up match on March 19 as well as the one-off T20 on March 21.

“I’m looking forward to getting down to Napier and playing on one of my favourite grounds in McLean Park,” Taylor said.

Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.nz)
Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.nz)

“It’s a great opportunity to get some time in the middle after missing the latest round of the Plunket Shield and it will also be useful to have a look at the touring team ahead of the ODI series. I’m looking forward to sharing the dressing room with some new and younger faces who I hope I can help by passing on some knowledge,” he added.

“The Netherlands are an ever-improving side and they’ll be relishing the chance to take on a Test-playing nation,” Taylor said.

“They have a few familiar players from the New Zealand domestic scene who I’m sure will be valuable to them in terms of understanding the conditions We know they’ll play with plenty of pride and expect them to be a good challenge,” he added.

Ross Taylor’s inclusion headlines a strong mix of New Zealand hopefuls and rising stars in the NZ XI squad which will be captained by Michael Bracewell. The two warm-up games against the Netherlands will be played behind closed doors at McLean Park on March 17 and 19, followed by a one-off T20I on March 21. Netherlands will then take on New Zealand in a T20I on March 25, followed by the ODIs on March 29, April 2 and 4.

New Zealand’s 12 Regular Players Will Be Unavailable Against Netherlands For Playing IPL 2022

Michael Bracewell, Dane Cleaver and Ben Sears are very much contenders for the white-ball squads to face the Netherlands later this month, in light of the unavailability of 12 regulars, including skipper Kane Williamson, who will leave for the IPL in the coming weeks.

Kane Williamson, Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Tim Southee will play IPL 2022.

Kane Williamson SPORTZPICS/Instagram
Kane Williamson SPORTZPICS/Instagram

The rest of the NZ XI side is a look into the future with Jesse Tashkoff, Jock McKenzie and Matt Boyle recent graduates of the NZ U19 program.

New Zealand XI squad: Michael Bracewell (c), Matt Bacon, Matt Boyle, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver (wk), James Hartshorn, Mitch Hay, Jayden Lennox, Angus McKenzie, Jock McKenzie, Tim Pringle, Ben Sears, Jesse Tashkoff (game 1), Ross Taylor (games 2 and 3)

In 112 Tests Ross Taylor scored 7683 runs with an average of 44.66 which included 19 hundreds while in 233 ODIs he scored 8581 runs with an average of 48.20. His tally of 21 ODI hundreds is the highest by any Kiwi batter. He also represented New Zealand in 102 T20Is and scored 1909 runs with 7 fifties.

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New Zealand cricket team. (Credits: Twitter)
New Zealand cricket team. (Credits: Twitter)
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New Zealand Set To Pick Second String Squad For Australia Tour

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New Zealand is set to pick a second-string squad for their upcoming tour of Australia keeping in mind the hassles of staying in bio-secure bubbles. The Aussies are set to play three ODIs and a solitary T20I on Australian soil from Sunday, January 30 to Tuesday, February 8.

New Zealand National Cricket Team head coach Gary Stead has confirmed that the team management will be picking a second-string squad for the upcoming Australia tour. Thereafter, South Africa’s tour of New Zealand is scheduled to get underway on Thursday, February 17.

New Zealand v Australia (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
New Zealand v Australia (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

New Zealand Set To Pick Second String Squad For Australia Tour And Gary Stead Said It Won’t Involve Test Cricketers

Gary Stead, the Black Caps’ head coach, said that the squad for the Australia squad won’t involve any Test cricketers. The Kiwis will play two home Tests against the Proteas.

The white ball squad will include Ross Taylor in his farewell international season but won’t feature any of New Zealand’s test players, who will remain behind to prepare for the two-test series against South Africa, starting February 17 in Christchurch. The second test is at Wellington’s Basin Reserve from February 25.

“I don’t think any Test players will be involved (in the Australia series),” Gary Stead was quoted as saying.

New Zealand (File Photo) - GETTY IMAGES
New Zealand (File Photo) – GETTY IMAGES

“Just with the crossover and isolation at the moment, it means we’d only have two or three days in between the South Africa (Test) series as well,” he stated.

Prior to the T20 World Cup 2021 in Oman and the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand played a bilateral T20I series against Bangladesh. The Black Caps’ white-ball tour to Australia is under a cloud with extended trans-Tasman border restrictions creating issues.

New Zealand was scheduled to depart on January 24 for three ODIs against Australia, starting on January 30 in Perth, and a Twenty20 international in Canberra on February 8. New Zealand Cricket remains confident the team will travel to Australia for the tour, but there may need to be changed to the schedule.

Gary Stead: New Zealand’s Squad Will Be Somewhat Similar Of T20I Squad For Previous Bangladesh Tour Before The 2021 T20I World Cup

For the series in Dhaka, the Kiwis picked a set of players, who weren’t a part of the multi-nation event. The Black Caps also picked the same squad for the series in Pakistan, but the games were cancelled due to certain reasons.

“It’s highly likely that you’ll see a side somewhat like how we selected for Bangladesh before the T20 World Cup as well when none of our T20 World Cup players toured there; it’ll be similar, but with a Test slant on it this time,” Stead added.

New Zealand head cricket coach Gary Stead. (Photo| EPS)
New Zealand head cricket coach Gary Stead. (Photo| EPS)

Despite not having the best players for the Australia series, Gary Stead said that the team will go in with “high expectations”. After finishing as the runners-up in the T20 World Cup, New Zealand played a T20I and Test series in India. Thereafter, they locked horns with Bangladesh in two Test matches at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and the Hagley Oval in Christchurch and levelled the series 1-1.

As far as the Australia series is concerned, Perth, Hobart, and Sydney will host the three ODIs on Sunday, January 30, Wednesday, February 2, and Saturday, February 5. The Manuka Oval in Canberra will host the only T20I on Tuesday, February 8. South Africa is currently hosting India in a three-test series, which will be followed by three ODIs, in a biosecure bubble with no crowds.

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New Zealand's Kane Williamson celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Photograph: John Sibley/Reuters
New Zealand's Kane Williamson celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Photograph: John Sibley/Reuters
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Ravi Shastri Reckons Losing WTC Final To Kane Williamson’s New Zealand Was Biggest Disappointment In His Tenure

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Ravi Shastri’s stint as India head coach was filled with many highs and a few lows. The achievement of winning back-to-back Test series wins in Australia, leading England 2-1 on their soil, finishing five years in a row as the No. 1 ranked Test team, and reaching the knockouts of several ICC tournaments are just some of the accomplishments.

Ravi Shastri arguably is probably the best coach India has had in a long time as he instilled quality and confidence in his players. In between, there was the disappointment of not being able to win an ICC trophy.

Ravi Shastri Image Source : AP
Ravi Shastri Image Source: AP

Ravi Shastri Reckons Losing WTC Final Was Biggest Disappointment In His Tenure

The 2019 World Cup, the 2021 World Test Championship, the 2021 T20 World Cup would go down as missed opportunities as India failed when it mattered most. For a coach who thrives on being and making his team the best in the world, it’s a tricky question asking him which loss hurt the most, but Ravi Shastri is not one to mince words and he answered this question with bravado. Ravi Shastri said the loss in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship is his ‘biggest disappointment’.

“Losing the World Test Championship final for me was the biggest disappointment in my tenure because we didn’t deserve to lose that game. We should have drawn it at least. Because of the kind of cricket we had played for five years, to be No. 1 for five years is no joke,” the former India coach said on the ‘Bold and Brave: Ravi Shastri Way’ show on Star Sports.

Kyle Jamieson (File Photo) | AP
Kyle Jamieson (File Photo) | AP

“As much as you want to take about the preparation, the quarantine, the conditions that existed there, New Zealand already being in England… we had no business to lose that game. So that was disappointing, to say the least.”

India suffered an eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the WTC final at Southampton in a rain-marred game. All-rounder Kyle Jamieson rocked the Indian batting order with a five-wicket-haul. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane all got starts but none could go past fifty. The second innings saw India getting bowled out for 170, setting New Zealand 140 to win, which the BlackCaps achieved with 15 overs left.

Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, And Tim Southee Architects Of New Zealand’s Inaugural World Test Championship Win

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final ebbed and flowed and New Zealand finally won the match beating India by eight wickets in Southampton on June 23(the reserve 6th day). Fittingly veterans Ross Taylor and skipper Kane Williamson were the two batters at the crease who buried the ghosts of the ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2019 and 2015, where they lost the finals.

Kane Williamson (AP)
Kane Williamson (AP)

The heroes of New Zealand’s victory were Kane Williamson(49 and 52*), Kyle Jamieson (5/31 in the 1st innings), and Tim Southee(4/48 in the 2nd innings).

Meanwhile, India has been able to hold on to their fourth spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table even after losing to South Africa in the second Test at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. South Africa, on the other hand, has climbed up the rankings to the fifth spot and registered their first win in the WTC 2021-23 cycle with the help of the seven-wicket win against India in the 2nd Test to level series 1-1.

Sri Lanka and Australia have the same percentage points and are sharing the honours at the top of the table, followed by Pakistan in third place in the latest WTC standings released by the ICC.

New Zealand 249 (Conway 54, Williamson 49, Shami 4-76) and 140 for 2 (Williamson 52*, Taylor 47, Ashwin 2-17) beat India 217 (Rahane 49, Kohli 44, Jamieson 5-31) and 170 (Pant 41, Southee 4-48) by eight wickets

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Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)
Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)

Ross Taylor Equals Daniel Vettori’s Record To Become New Zealand’s Most Capped Test Cricketer

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As New Zealand batter Ross Taylor stepped out to the field for the second Test match against Bangladesh at Christchurch, he has equalled the record of Daniel Vettori to become the most capped Test cricketer for New Zealand.

This Christchurch Test match is Ross Taylor’s 112th Test match as the right-hander already announced that it would be his last Test match. Daniel Vettori played 113 Test matches in his career but he played one test for ICC World XI in the super series Test match against Australia in 2005.

Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.nz)
Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.nz)

Ross Taylor also holds the record of most test runs for New Zealand.

Former New Zealand captain Stephan Fleming represented New Zealand in 111 Test matches while Brendon McCullum played 101 Tests for Kiwis.

Taylor also holds the record of most runs by a New Zealand batter in the longest format as he scored 7655 runs with an average of 44.76. His tally of 18 Test hundreds is also just second to Kane Williamson (24).

This will be his last test match for his career though he will be available for the ODI series against Australia and Netherlands later in the summer. Taylor also holds the record of most runs and most hundreds in ODI format for New Zealand.

However, on the first day of the second test match at Christchurch, Taylor didn’t get a chance to bat as the hosts lost just one wicket as they complied 349 runs after being put in to bat.  Stand-in skipper Tom Latham scored his 12th Test hundred as he (186*) is inching toward his second double hundred in his career while Devon Conway continued his dream run in the longest form of the game as he finished the day with just one run away to his 3rd Test hundred in his 5th test match.

Earlier in the first test of the series, Bangladesh upset New Zealand to script their first-ever win in New Zealand in any format as they beat the hosts by 8 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in 2-match series. Though the decision of electing to bowl first for visitors didn’t work out well here in Christchurch.

Also, read South Africa Have Confidence And Momentum Now, They Can Go On To Win The Series- Vernon Philander

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Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)
Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)
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Ross Taylor Announced Retirement From International Cricket

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Veteran New Zealand batter Ross Taylor has announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the home season. The 2-Test match series against Bangladesh will be his last series in the longest format while the ODI series against Australia and Netherlands will be his last assignments in shorter formats.

The 37-year old currently holds the record of leading run-scorer for New Zealand in both Tests and ODIs. He was also the first-ever player from any country to play 100 games in each of three international formats.

Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.nz)
Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.NZ)

Taylor also led New Zealand in 14 Tests, 20 ODIs, and 13 T20Is.

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

“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,” he added further.

In 110 Tests he scored 7584 runs with an average of 44.87 which included 19 hundreds while in 233 ODI he scored 8581 runs with an average of 48.20. His tally of 21 ODI hundreds is the highest by any Kiwi batter. He also represented New Zealand in 102 T20Is and scored 1909 runs with 7 fifties.

“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,” he said.

“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,” he said.

Taylor made his international debut in an ODI against West Indies at Napier while he received his Test cap at Johannesburg next year as 234th player to represent New Zealand in the longest format. He is the most capped player for New Zealand with 445 appearances in his name combining all three formats. His innings of 290 at Perth in 2015 is still the highest score by any visiting batter down under.

Also read MS Dhoni Had The Impact Of Getting The Best Out Of Me- Ambati Rayudu

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Ajaz Patel (Photo Credit: ICC/Twitter)
Ajaz Patel (Photo Credit: ICC/Twitter)
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Ajaz Patel’s Historic Feat Of Taking All 10 Wickets In An Innings Not Enough To Be Picked Against Bangladesh

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Ajaz Patel’s historic feat of taking 10 wickets in a Test innings was not enough to secure his place in New Zealand’s squad for a home series against Bangladesh.

Off-spinner Ajaz Patel became only the third player in test history _ after England’s Jim Laker and India’s Anil Kumble _ to take all 10 wickets in an innings when he claimed 10-119 in the second Test against India earlier this month. But Ajaz Patel was absent from New Zealand’s 13-man squad for a two-test series against Bangladesh, beginning on January 1, 2022.

Ajaz Patel----Saikat Das / Sportzpics for BCCI
Ajaz Patel—-Saikat Das / Sportzpics for BCCI

Ajaz Patel Not Picked For Two Tests Against Visitors Bangladesh As New Zealand Conditions Favour Pacers: Gary Stead Defends Selections

The 13 man squad includes fast bowlers Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, and Matt Henry along with medium pace allrounder Daryl Mitchell and only one spin option, allrounder Rachin Ravindra. The tests will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and Hagley Oval in Christchurch at New Zealand which is expected to favour quicker bowlers.

New Zealand head cricket coach Gary Stead. (Photo| EPS)
New Zealand head cricket coach Gary Stead. (Photo| EPS)

“You do feel for Ajaz after his record-breaking display in India,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “However, we’ve always applied a horses-for-courses selection policy and believe the players selected best fit the way we want to take on Bangladesh here at home.”

“We feel having both Rachin and Daryl in the squad gives us a nice balance and the ability to pick a side best suited to the conditions we expect.”

New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel picked up all 10-wickets in an innings in the second Test against India. Notably, the spinner became only the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to take all 10 wickets in an innings, joining Jim Laker and Anil Kumble, who had achieved the milestone in 1956 and 1999 respectively.

He also registered the best figures for a bowler against India in Test cricket. India registered a record 372 runs win over New Zealand in the second Test and sealed the two-match Test series 1-0.

Tom Latham Will Captain New Zealand In The Absence Of Injured Kane Williamson While Devon Conway Will Return

Tom Latham will captain New Zealand in the absence of Kane Williamson, who has an elbow injury, and Devon Conway will return to the squad after breaking his hand at the Twenty20 World Cup last month. Devon Conway, who had been ruled out of the T20 World Cup final against Australia in the UAE and the subsequent India tour with a bizarre self-inflicted hand injury, returned to the squad.

“It’s obviously disappointing not to have Kane available for this series but, as we noted in India, he is undergoing a sustained period of rest followed by rehabilitation, strengthening, and gradual batting loading,” Stead said. “We have every confidence in Tom leading the side. He’s done an excellent job in the past when called upon.”

Tom Latham (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Tom Latham (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Ajaz Patel concluded the 2nd Test match against India with statistics of 14/225, while regular skipper Kane Williamson also missed the 2nd Test against India for an elbow injury. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will be sidelined by an elbow tendon injury for at least two months, coach Gary Stead confirmed.

Trent Boult, who had opted out of the India tour because of bubble fatigue, was also back in the side as New Zealand ponder unleashing their four-pronged pace pack on Bangladesh. Ross Taylor, who had a horror tour of India, managing a mere 20 runs across four innings, retained his place in the Test squad.

He is three Tests away from surpassing Daniel Vettori as New Zealand’s most capped player in the format. Colin de Grandhomme, who had also opted out of the India tour, was omitted from this squad.

New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, Will Young.

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India's Mohammed Siraj celebrates after taking the wicket of England's Jonny Bairstow. (Reuters)
India's Mohammed Siraj celebrates after taking the wicket of England's Jonny Bairstow. (Reuters)
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Mohammed Siraj Is The Number 3 Pacer After Mohammed Shami And Jasprit Bumrah: VVS Laxman

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VVS Laxman, former Indian batsman has insisted that the bowler Mohammed Siraj needs to be in the XI in the South Africa Tests. Team India produced an emphatic performance on Day 2 of the Mumbai Test as the side inches closer to a series victory. After scoring 325 in the first innings, India bowled New Zealand out on merely 62 – the lowest Test score on Indian soil.

The Kiwi batters were caught in a web of spin as the trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel and Jayant Yadav grabbed seven wickets in New Zealand’s innings. Pacer Mohammed Siraj gave India a strong start with the ball, picking the first three wickets. VVS Laxman reckoned that pace bowler, Mohammed Siraj, has done more than enough to warrant a place in the playing XI of the Indian team when they go to visit South Africa this month.

Mohammed Siraj (Photo: AP)
Mohammed Siraj (Photo: AP)

VVS Laxman: Pacer Mohammed Siraj Is The Number 3 After Mohammed Shami And Jasprit Bumrah And Should Be A Certainty For South Africa Tour

Mohammed Siraj dismissed openers Will Young, Tom Latham as well as veteran batter Ross Taylor early to put New Zealand in trouble, and the visitors could never recover from the setback. The pacer had missed the first Test of the series as Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav were the only two-seamers in Kanpur but made a return to the XI after the former picked an injury.

VVS Laxman (Image Credit: Twitter)
VVS Laxman (Image Credit: Twitter)

However, former India batter VVS Laxman believes that Mohammed Siraj needs to be among the top-3 bowlers for India when the side tours South Africa next month. India is scheduled to play three Tests against the Proteas. VVS Laxman believes that Mohammed Siraj is India’s third-best pacer after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami.

“This would be a difficult decision for Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli. It depends on how many fast bowlers will you play. You know that Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are your first and second choices as far as Test cricket is concerned in overseas conditions. So, will Mohammed Siraj be number 3 or 4?  The way he bowled in Australia and England, and even in the second Test.. for me, he is the number 3,” VVS Laxman said on Star Sports.

Mohammed Siraj ended as India’s highest wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, with 13 dismissals to his name in three Tests. He continued on his impressive performances on the Test tour of England, where he picked 14 wickets in four games.

Mohammed Siraj Debuted In The Successful Australian Tour In 2020/21 And Was The Highest Wicket Taker For India

Mohammed Siraj has played 10 Tests for India, claiming 33 wickets at an average of 27.3. He played a key role in India’s wins in the Melbourne and Brisbane Tests in the Australian tour picking up a maximum of 13 Test wickets.

The 25-year-old pacer made his debut in the second Test in Melbourne and immediately made his mark in international cricket. Eventually, he ended up as the highest wicket-taker for India with 13 wickets in the Border- Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. What makes his performance even more praise-worthy was that Mohammed Siraj had lost his father when he was touring Australia for the series.

Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj (Image Credit: Twitter)

Mohammed Siraj was retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore before IPL 2022 mega auctions. RCB retained Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj in the IPL retention. Virat Kohli is the first player retained by the franchise. He will fetch Rs 15 crore as opposed to Rs 17 Crore, which he was earning earlier. Glenn Maxwell is the second player to be retained for an annual retainer of Rs 11 crore.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj is the third pick at a sum of Rs 7 crore. As a result, the total purse remaining for the Bangalore franchise is Rs 57 Crore. Mohammed Siraj has picked 11 wickets each time in the last two seasons. He has picked up 50 scalps in as many matches and 40 has come for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 44 games.

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Mohammed Siraj (Photo: AP)
Mohammed Siraj (Photo: AP)
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Mohammed Siraj Bowled A Dream Delivery To Dismiss Ross Taylor In 2nd Test

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Mohammed Siraj on Saturday said that the ball he bowled to get rid of Ross Taylor was a dream delivery as the hosts took the upper hand in the Mumbai Test against New Zealand on Day 2.

Mohammed Siraj bowled a fiery first spell to reduce New Zealand to 17 for 3 with the wickets of Will Young, Tom Latham, and Ross Taylor. New Zealand’s first innings lasted just 28.1 overs as they got bowled out for 62.
Mohammed Siraj’s ‘dream delivery’ which stunned Ross Taylor --- File image (Source: Twitter)
Mohammed Siraj’s ‘dream delivery’ which stunned Ross Taylor — File image (Source: Twitter)

Mohammed Siraj Bowled A Dream Delivery For Any Pacer To Dismiss Veteran New Zealand Batsman Ross Taylor

Mohammed Siraj said that the delivery that got New Zealand’s Ross Taylor out was a “dream” for any bowler on the second day of the second Test. Mohammed Siraj picked the wickets of openers Will Young, Tom Latham, and Ross Taylor, to leave New Zealand reeling at 17 for 3.

Asked about the delivery to Ross Taylor, Mohammed Siraj said, “The plan was that we had set field for an inswing delivery and aimed to hit the pads but the way I was building my rhythm, I thought why not bowl an outswing. It was a dream delivery for any fast bowler.”

Mohammed Siraj had split his webbing during the first T20 International against New Zealand in Jaipur and was out of action since then. He was overlooked with senior pacer Ishant Sharma getting a chance in the opening Test in Kanpur besides Umesh Yadav.

Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma[Image-Twitter]

“When I resumed training after getting injured, I did a lot of single wicket bowling with an aim to get as much swing as possible. That was my focus.”

“As and when I would get chance in Test match, I had to consistently hit one area and that’s what helps me in building my rhythm,” the Hyderabad fast bowler, who bowled a 147 kmph plus bouncer to dismiss Tom Latham, said.

The basic endeavor for him has always been to let batters play as many deliveries as possible and that’s why bowl a stump line and not outside the off-stump.

“I wanted to pitch it on stumps and hit one area consistently as it creates problem for batters. The batters start leaving deliveries if you start bowling outside the off-stump.”

He knew that on this track, spinners will bowl long spells and he had decided that whatever be the length of his spell, he would go full tilt, as he did during those four overs.

“I knew I will get 3-4 overs of spell and wanted to bowl with full intensity,” he concluded.

Mohammed Siraj registered the figures of 3 for 19 in the 1st innings. He has played 10 Tests for India picking 33 scalps averaging 27.3. He was the highest wicket-taker in Australia in his debut tour by picking up 13 scalps from only 3 Tests. He was retained by his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of IPL 2022 mega auctions.

Mohammed Siraj Was Injured In The 1st T20I Against Visitors New Zealand

Mohammed Siraj did not make the cut for the second T20I owing to his injury. He was forced to miss the second match against New Zealand on Friday, November 19 after having injured his left hand while fielding in the series-opener. His unavailability thus made way for Harshal Patel in the team who made his India debut.

Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj. (Photo by Mark Brake – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Mohammed Siraj got a web split on his left hand whilst fielding his own delivery in the previous game in Jaipur. Mohammed Siraj witnessed a decent outing in the first T20I. Though he conceded big runs in the middle overs, he bowled an impressive final over.

New Zealand 62 and 140 for 5 (Mitchell 60, Nicholls 36*, Ashwin 3-27) need another 400 runs to beat India 325 and 276 for 7 declared (Agarwal 62, Pujara 47, Ajaz 4-106)

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New Zealand Cricket Team
New Zealand Cricket Team-AFP
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Ross Taylor Expressed Elation As The Kiwis Defeated England In 2021 T20I World Cup Semi Final

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Ross Taylor, senior New Zealand batter, expressed elation as the Kiwis defeated England in the semi-final of the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Daryl Mitchell’s superb unbeaten fifty fired New Zealand into their first-ever ICC men’s T20 World Cup final following a thrilling win over England on Wednesday.

Ross Taylor© AFP
Ross Taylor© AFP

Ross Taylor Elated As New Zealand Beats England In Semi-Final

Ross Taylor, who was left out of the New Zealand T20 World Cup squad, also praised Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham for their gusty knocks. Veteran batsman Ross Taylor was selected for the three ODIs in Pakistan, which ultimately didn’t happen but, with the brief nature of the one-week series and the length of quarantine protocols, it was mutually agreed he would remain at home to prepare for the Indian Test tour and upcoming home summer.

“What a win @BLACKCAPS. Well batted @dazmitchell47 and @JimmyNeesh,” Ross Taylor tweeted.

Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell said the Kiwis will give “everything” they’ve got to win their maiden T20 World Cup title on Sunday.

Daryl Mitchell lets out a roar as he realises he has put New Zealand in the final Getty Images
Daryl Mitchell lets out a roar as he realizes he has put New Zealand in the final Getty Images.

“Look, we’re a bunch of Kiwis. There are only 5 million of us, so we’re obviously very proud to be representing our country. Yeah, obviously we’ve had some success in the last few years,” said Mitchell in the press conference as per ICC.

“But we’re going to enjoy the win tonight, make sure that obviously, we celebrate that, but then we move on pretty quickly. We know that we have a final on Sunday, and whoever we’re taking on should be good fun. We’ll give it everything we’ve got, but at the end of the day there’s certain things you can’t control, so we’ll see what happens,” he added.

Chasing 167, New Zealand was on the back foot when key duo Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson were dismissed by Chris Woakes inside the first three overs of the reply.

Daryl Mitchell Hits Match Winning Unbeaten 72

But the ship was steadied by Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway, who added 82 for the third wicket before James Neesham whacked 27 from 11 balls to turn the tide in his side’s favour.

Daryl Mitchell heaves the ball away during his matchwinning 72 not out as Jos Buttler watches on. Photograph: François Nel/Getty Images
Daryl Mitchell heaves the ball away during his match-winning 72, not out as Jos Buttler watches on. Photograph: François Nel/Getty Images

It was not until the 16th over of the second innings that either side seemed to grab the game, and at that point, it was England who briefly took control as Liam Livingstone ended his allocation by leaking just three and taking the wicket of Glenn Phillips. At that point, their opponents needed an apparently far-fetched 57 from 24, and Jimmy Neesham was fresh to the crease.

In the following over, Chris Jordan, England’s one genuine death-overs specialist, was completely marmalized by James Neesham. It turned into England’s most expensive of the tournament, 23 runs coming off it.

Jimmy Neesham fell to the last ball of the 18th over, but it hardly mattered, given what Daryl Mitchell was about to do to Chris Woakes. He had never scored an international T20 half-century but ended the most important game of his life unbeaten on 72 off 47 balls. It was New Zealand opener Daryl Mitchell who finished the job, hitting 25 off his last seven deliveries to win the semis with an over to spare.

New Zealand 167 for 5 (Mitchell 72*, Conway 46, Neesham 27; Livingstone 2-22) beat England 166 for 4 (Malan 41, Moeen 51*; Southee 1-24) by 5 wickets

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Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.nz)
Ross Taylor:- REUTERS/Ross Setford (image sourced from Otago Daily Times www.odt.co.nz)
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It’s A Great Place To Play Cricket But Definitely One Of The Toughest: Ross Taylor On India Tour

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Ross Taylor, a New Zealand middle-order batsman, termed India as one of the toughest destinations to tour. He opined that India is a great place to play cricket, but it can be challenging for the touring sides.

The Black Caps are scheduled to tour India a few days after the ongoing T20I World Cup concludes at UAE. They will play two Test matches and three T20Is in the sub-continent.

Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)
Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)

Ross Taylor: Playing Spin And Reverse Swing Ball Is Toughest To Handle In India

Ross Taylor stated that India set a different set of challenges with spin and reverse swing.

“It’s a great place to play cricket but definitely one of the toughest. Obviously playing spin and then the reverse swing ball. I think trusting your defense early on against spin when there’s so many people around the bat (is important),” Ross Taylor stated.

NZ pacer Trent Boult (File Photo | AFP)
NZ pacer Trent Boult (File Photo | AFP)

Ross Taylor added that winning the toss plays a big part in the outcome of the game when you are playing Test matches in India.

“I’ve been there a few times and it’s probably a given but winning the toss plays a big part in it so no pressure on Kane (Williamson) to get the call right in those first few Tests.”

Ross Taylor is part of the 15-man squad announced by New Zealand for the tour to India. This will be the first meeting between the two teams in the game’s longest format since the WTC final in June. The last time New Zealand toured India, they were beaten 3-0 in 2016.

New Zealand left-arm pacer Trent Boult has made himself unavailable for the upcoming two-match Test series against India. The reason behind Trent Boult’s and pace allrounder Colin de Grandhomme’s unavailability for the Tests against India has been due to the prospect of further time in bio-secure bubbles and managed isolation.

Ross Taylor Opens Up On Facing Ravichandran Ashwin And Ravindra Jadeja

Ross Taylor reckons Ravichandra Ashwin could be a handful on the Indian tracks. However, he pointed out that the key will be to pick his variations right from the hand since the tracks will offer a lot of turns.

“I think you’ve got to watch the ball from the hand as early as possible, trust your defense. He’s (Ashwin) got carrom balls and got quite often the ball that actually skids on is just as dangerous as the one that turns a lot.”

Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja Photo Credit: AP
Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja Photo Credit: AP

Ross Taylor added that the likes of spinner Ravindra Jadeja and others like Axar Patel can also be difficult to negotiate on the sub-continent tracks.

He said: “Not only him (Ashwin), Jadeja and co are going to be a handful.”

New Zealand will play a T20I series and then follow it up with two Test matches. The T20Is will be played on November 17 in Jaipur, November 19 in Ranchi, and November 21 in Kolkata. The two Tests will be played in Kanpur (November 25-29) and Mumbai (December 3-7).

The 15-member squad for the Test series against India includes regular cricketers like captain Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Henry Nicholls with a back-up in Will Young. Tom Blundell will take the wicketkeeping duties after BJ Watling retired from international cricket post victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final over India in Southampton in June 2021.

Left-arm spinners Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner, off-spinner Will Somerville, and uncapped left-arm spin all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and wicketkeeper-batter Glenn Phillips provide a part-time off-spin option, are present. At the same time, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson are the pace trio.

NZ squad for Tests: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Will Somerville, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner and Will Young

NZ squad for T20Is: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee

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