It’s been an honour: Ross Taylor announces retirement from cricket at the end of home summer

New Zealand cricket icon Ross Taylor confirmed Thursday he is bowing out of international cricket.

Taylor said the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on Saturday will be his last in Test whites and he will call stumps on his career after the one-day internationals against Australia and the Netherlands in February and March.

The 37-year-old has been a mainstay in the New Zealand batting order for a large part of his career since making his debut in 2006, amassing a plethora of records and achievements, notably the most runs by a New Zealander (18,074) and most appearances (445).

He is the only player so far in the history of the game to have played 100 matches in each of the three international formats, a feat Indian star Virat Kohli might emulate soon (98 Tests and 95 T20Is).

“It’s been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have,” he said.

“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.”

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said Taylor would undoubtedly bow out as one of New Zealand’s greats.

“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.

“Seeing him hit the winning runs in Southampton to help win our first ICC World title is a moment I will never forget and I’m sure it’s the same for many of the fans.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, unavailable for the Bangladesh series while he rehabilitates from an elbow injury, said Taylor had given his all to the New Zealand team over the years.

“He’s a world-class player, our best with the bat over such a long period of time and personally it’s been a pleasure to be involved in so many partnerships with him across the formats,” Williamson said.

“We’ve shared some pretty cool moments together –- most recently the World Test Championship final, which was obviously really special.”

Taylor’s achievements include most Test runs by a New Zealander (7,584), most ODI runs (8,581) most ODI 100s for New Zealand (21), most 100s in all formats (40), the first player from any country to make 100 international appearances in each of the three formats, and the highest Test score in Australia by a visiting player (290 at Perth 2015).

Pacer and one of the leaders in the team Tim Southee said it will take a while to get used to Taylor’s absence. “Any time a player retires, it’s a messy moment especially when someone who has played and been a regular in the squad for such a long period of time,” he said. “It will take some adjusting to look around and not see Ross as a player or have him in this side. That assurance of having a quality player around, and the runs he’s had and the job he’s done for this side over a long period of time has been amazing.”

Southee elaborated on Taylor’s changing room demeanor and how his quiet presence will be missed by the team.

“He’s been a regular feature of the changing room for such a long period of time. He’s a quiet sort of guy and sorts of sits back and enjoys a good time, in sitting back and enjoying a wine or a drink after a test win are moments he’ll cherish forever. He’s a great guy to have around the changing room. Like I said, he’s quite reserved, but he will be missed... It’ll take a bit of time for guys to look around and not see Ross sitting there.”

Southee also discussed how Taylor informed him of his decision, when the pair met at a training session before Christmas.

“We did a bit of training in Hamilton pre-Christmas. He told me there. Anytime someone says that you’re taken back a little bit, but he’s obviously made that decision. It’s been great to play alongside him for so long and he let me know just before Christmas. Like I said, it’s a strange feeling when you see guys come and go. Especially when guys have been around for a long time,” Southee added.

Here are some more reactions to the announcement from Taylor:

With AFP inputs. All statistics for men’s international cricket.

The New Zealand home matches will streamed live in India on Amazon Prime Video.