Ross Taylor receives a guard of honor on the final match; bids emotional goodbye to the game

The Kiwi veteran Ross Taylor has announced his retirement in December last year. On Monday, he played his last international match against the Netherlands at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Ross has appeared in 196 Tests, 220 ODIs, and 102 T20Is. Taylor has scored the most runs for New Zealand in Tests and One Day Internationals with 7684 and 8602 runs. Moreover, in T20 Internationals he is the fourth-highest run-scorer. Also, he has made huge contributions to the national side.

While playing his final match, Ross Taylor got emotional in the pre-match rituals. Players from both teams had arrived for the rituals. In addition, his kids Mackenzie, Jonty, and Adelaide accompanied him. Later, his teammate Martin Guptill was seen comforting him. Moreover, Ross’s wife Victoria, and other family members were also present.

Ross Taylor gets emotional in his final appearance for NZ

Also read: 10 Players with Most Runs in Test cricket history

The opponents, the Netherlands also gave him a special guard of honor out of respect. When he walked out to bat, the players from the fielding side has gathered. Also, his contributions to the game have been immense. And, he is truly respected by cricket fans across national boundaries.

However, he could not play a big inning, scoring only 14 runs. But, his teammates gifted him with a big win by 115 runs. Resultantly, the Netherlands were bowled out at 218. Later, NZ Cricket Chief Martin Snedden presented him with a gift. Ross was awarded a traditional Samoan necklace and a picture frame with his career statistics.

Ross Taylor gave a heartwarming speech, read excerpts from it below:

To my team mates it has been pleasure, thoroughly enjoyed my time and I will be watching how you guys grow from the other side. You are in good stead and I will miss you boys. There’s no bigger place to say thank you to my wife, mum and dad, all the family members, coaches for all the sacrifices they have put in. It has been a long 16 years and thank you for everything. Hamilton, thank you for coming out and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to play my last game.

Ross Taylor in last international match

Career Stats