Ross Taylor is one of the greatest names in the hallowed history of cricket in New Zealand. He is the most capped player for the Blackcaps in Test cricket. Taylor also played an instrumental role in making New Zealand the inaugural World Test Champions. Let us revisit some of the best batting performances of the former New Zealand batting great in Test cricket.
290 vs Australia, 2015
Scoring a gigantic double ton against Australia in Australia on a difficult Perth track is a testimony to the class of the player. Australia batted first in this match and scored 559 runs in the first innings. This outstanding batting display gave Australia an edge in the match but it was soon neutralized by Ross Taylor’s breathtaking double century.
His 290 runs helped New Zealand post 624 runs at the end of the first innings. This lead put the Kiwis in a pole position. New Zealand however could not win the match but Ross Taylor’s batting effort was acknowledged with the player of the match award.
217* vs West Indies, 2013
Ross Taylor smashed his first double-century in Test cricket against West Indies. West Indies toured New Zealand for a 3-match Test series in 2013. The series started with a batting masterclass from Ross Taylor in the first innings of the first match. Winning the toss, the visitors invited New Zealand to bat first.
Ross Taylor pounced on this opportunity and played an extraordinary knock to give the start that New Zealand needed in the match. Courtesy of his knock the Kiwis piled up 609 runs in the first innings.
200 vs Bangladesh, 2019
This is the third and last double ton in Ross Taylor’s Test career. The Wellington Test against Bangladesh in 2019 became the stage for the experienced Kiwi to deliver another batting masterclass. The Kiwi bowlers restricted the opposition to 211 runs in the first innings.
Ross Taylor extended this edge in New Zealand’s batting stint as his double century propelled his team to a total of 432 runs. The lead that the home side got in the first innings proved to be decisive in the end as New Zealand won the match by an innings and 12 runs.