Picture Credit: Twitter
New Zealand star batsman Ross Taylor, who is set to retire from international cricket after the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, received a warm welcome from the audience at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui when he walked into to bat after the fall of the second wicket on the first day of the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh.
The video of Taylor's grand entry was shared by the team's official Twitter handle with a caption note, "A warm welcome to @RossLTaylor from the Bay Oval as he comes to bat for New Zealand for the first time in his final Test series."
While Taylor would ideally want to score as many runs as possible, he managed 31 runs in 64 balls which included five fours. He put on a 50-run partnership with opener Devon Conway for the third wicket before losing his wicket to Shoreful Islam in the third session. Earlier Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bowl first and put the hosts on backfoot by dismissing Tom Latham (1 off 14 balls), early in the game.
Here is the video of Taylor's reception at the Bay Oval:
Amid all this, Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo raised everyone's eyebrows by saying that his side wants to ensure that "Taylor gets a bad farewell." Notably, Taylor had announced his retirement on December 30 via a Twitter post. His tweet read, "Today I am announcing my retirement from international cricket at the conclusion of the domestic summer, two more Tests against Bangladesh and six ODIs against Australia and the Netherlands.” Thank you for the incredible support of 17 years. It’s an honor to represent my country #234."
Taylor will retire as one of New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in Tests and ODIs. The right-handed batter has 7,584 Test runs and 19 centuries, second only to current captain Kane Williamson and 8,581 runs in ODIs. His 21 ODI centuries is also New Zealand’s most.
The 37-years-old made his Test debut in 2008 against South Africa and played 111 Tests, so far being the essential part of the team's batting lineup. He played 233 ODIs after debuting against West Indies in 2006. He has also played 102 Twenty20 Internationals, becoming the first player to play more than 100 matches for New Zealand across all three formats.