NZ vs NED: Ross Taylor receives guard of honour from Netherlands players in farewell match

Veteran New Zealand batter Ross Taylor received a guard of honour as he came out to bat for the final time in international cricket. The ongoing third and final ODI between Netherlands and New Zealand marks Taylor’s farewell game and there were a lot of emotions at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The 38-year-old arrived in the middle as opener Martin Guptill was dismissed in the 39th over.

The entire stadium erupted when Taylor came out to bat and the Netherlands players also stood in a queue, paying respect to the talismanic batter. The Kiwi legend was evidently touched by the gesture as he took off his helmet and acknowledged the Dutch players.  Meanwhile, Taylor’s last outing in the Blackcaps jersey was brief as he was dismissed for a 16-ball 14.

For the last time in International cricket, let's go Ross Taylor. pic.twitter.com/Thq7AO0OWw

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 4, 2022

Ross Taylor scored 16 in farewell match 

Nonetheless, the veteran hit pacer Logan van Beek for a six during his brief stay, giving fans another reason to celebrate. It was Van Beek himself, who eventually dismissed Taylor in the 43rd over. It was a slower delivery outside the off-stump which Taylor hit straight up in the air. The Dutch all-rounder settled underneath the ball and took a safe catch off his own bowling.

Needless to mention, there was again a standing ovation as Taylor left the field. The 38-year-old was in tears as he acknowledged the crowd with his trademark ‘tongue-out celebrations.’ He also received a warm hug from his long-time teammate Guptill on his way back to the dug-out.

Meanwhile, New Zealand posted 333/8 in their allotted 50 overs with Guptill and Will Young smashing centuries. There were also significant contributions from skipper Tom Latham and Doug Bracewell towards the end. Notably, the Kiwis won the first two ODIs and have already clinched the series. Hence, they are now looking for a whitewash.

While Taylor’s final outing with the bat is over in international cricket, he might bowl a few overs in the second innings. Guptill hinted the same at the end of the first innings. “It’s been a great career for Rossco (Ross Taylor), to be out there with him for 13-years or so, it’s been a great ride. Love him to bits and it’s gonna be a sad day. We will see if he first gets a bowl, eh! [smiles],” he added.