What might be shocking news for the cricket fans is that New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor took to social media earlier this morning to announce his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old in January will play his last Test in Christchurch, equaling former cricketer Daniel Vettori’s record of playing most Test matches as New Zealand cricketer.
The veteran batter further mentioned that he would play his last Test series against Bangladesh in January 2022 at home, while the ODI series against Australia and the Netherlands next year will be his last in limited-overs cricket.
Check out his post here:
The cricketer also added that it was an honour to represent his country for 17 years at the international level.
This news left cricketers, commentators and fans to congratulate Ross Taylor on his magnificent career. Rashid Khan, David Warner and Isa Guha were among the few who took to Twitter to share their best wishes and congratulatory messages on the legend’s retirement.
Check out their tweets here:
What a legend congratulations mate ππ»ππ»
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) December 30, 2021
Well done @RossLTaylor absolutely amazing career and look forward to catching up with you in Australia. https://t.co/1iDmM2CEje
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) December 30, 2021
What a career! Congrats @RossLTaylor https://t.co/qbcqeS2bAn
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) December 29, 2021
Cant say that I knew Ross Taylor to any great extent. But the few times I spent in his presence conversing with him, I came away thinking, 'what a lovely and decent person he is'. Finish strong Roscoπππ.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 30, 2021
While other fans believed that Ross Taylor’s retirement from International cricket meant that cricket was about to lose a fine player. Fans went on to share some of the most interesting moments from his career.
Remember this? Ross Taylor was the first one to rush to Carlos Brathwaite even before celebrating. Yβall donβt know what cricket is about to lose pic.twitter.com/V2N9K0xar0
— Sritama (Ross Taylorβs version) (@cricketpun_duh) December 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/AartiGoelIndia/status/1476454194789818372
One of the fans even went on to share a video clip, remembering Ross Taylor reaching the same number as Martin Crowe.
Go well, Ross. This will be my abiding memory of you.
When Ross Taylor could not express himself on reaching the same no. of Test 100s as his friend, philosopher, guide, Martin Crowepic.twitter.com/w74TB0qSYR
— El Chopernos (@El_Chopernos) December 30, 2021
Amidst all this, #HappyRetirement trended on Twitter with fans wished the cricketer success for his elaborative career.
Here's a simple design for one of the greatest Kiwis players to have played the game, Ross Taylor. Happy Retirement!#RossTaylor pic.twitter.com/CYV6wOBhCh
— JC (@jc_writes_) December 30, 2021
Happy retirement Ross, you're the best middle order batsman of 21st century.
— pradeep (@_PradeepTweets) December 30, 2021
Happy retirement ross, it was great fun till it lasted, you will always be an epitome of beauty in my cricket worldπ @RossLTaylor https://t.co/iTHYpkZrwV
— Sushanth (@Sushanthh29) December 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/BackfootPunchh/status/1476456222916333569
Notably, Taylor has so far represented his nation in 110 Tests, 233 ODIs and 102 T20Is.