Ross Taylor on brink of record in the 1st Test against Bangladesh

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is all set to make a comeback to the national side. The right-handed batsman is included in the Test series squad for the home series against Bangladesh. Taylor had to bow out of action following an eye concern during last November. He had to undergo an operation in order to remove a pterygium (a growth) on his left eye.

The unusual problem had caused vision problems for the Black Caps veteran during their home series against Pakistan in November. Now, after the successful the eye surgery, Taylor is all set to don the Test whites yet again. He had bowed out of action on an unbeaten 101 against Pakistan.

He will surely look to continue on the same note where he left. Incidentally, that ton against Pakistan was his 16th in Test cricket. If Taylor manages to score another ton against Bangladesh in the upcoming series, he will end up with 17 centuries. With that, he will equal Martin Crowe’s tally of 17 Test tons.

The record of 17 centuries is the most by any player in Test cricket for New Zealand. Hence, if Taylor manages to score two tons, he will overtake the coveted record. Martin Crowe was a phenomenal player who led New Zealand as well. He died last year. Crowe was one of the mentors of Ross Taylor. As per the quotes in Indian Express, Taylor spoke about the records that Martin Crowe wanted him to break.

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“When Hogan (Crowe) gave me some of the records he wanted me to break, it was more of a motivation in the background. Sometimes you play cricket and just meander along. That’s when the goals come into it,” said Taylor.

He further added that the century is not on his mind. If the ton has to come, it will come anyway. His focus is to score consistently for the national side. “At the moment, I’m pretty happy with where my game’s at and if I can get myself in and play well, if the hundred comes it comes and if not I’ll continue to try and be as consistent as possible,” he added further.