Picture Credit: Twitter
New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor is playing the final Test match of his career. He had already announced that the ongoing second Test match against Bangladesh in Christchurch will be his final match and the right-handed batter is set to end his Test career after featuring in 112 Tests which saw him score over 7600 runs with the help of 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries.
As soon as Taylor came out to bat in his final Test match on Day 2, the Bangladesh players were prompt to give the 37-year-old batter a "Guard of Honour." The touring team were even seen applauding and appreciating Taylor for his service to the game and his accomplishments on the cricket field.
A video of Bangladesh's gesture has surfaced online:
Taylor walked in to bat on Monday when the Kiwi score was 411 in the 106th over. He made 28 runs off 39 deliveries with the aid of four boundaries before Ebadot Hossain got his wicket. It was at this stage that several Bangladesh players once again came running to him to shake his hand and wish him the best ahead.
"It’s been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have," Taylor was quoted as saying in a statement.
"It’s been such a privilege to play with and against some of the greats of the game and to have created so many memories and friendships along the way. But all good things must come to an end and the timing feels right for me," he added.
In addition, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead also hailed Taylor for his contribution to the team over the course of his career.
"Ross has always been a hugely respected member of the side and we’re thankful for his contributions to the Black Caps over an incredible career. His skills and temperament as a batsman have been world-class and his ability to perform at such a high level for so long speaks volumes of his longevity and professionalism," Stead said.