Generally, when cricketers reach middle age, there is always speculation about them not playing major tournaments. New Zealand’s Ross Taylor has now responded as to whether he will play in the 2023 One Day International World Cup and said that he’s not ruling out the same as far as form, fitness and motivational levels at the end of the year permit him to be a part of the national squad.
“I haven't ruled it (2023 World Cup) out but I still think it's a long way away. First and foremost, I want to get to next year - the Twenty20 World Cup and then the home summer - and then I'll have a good idea on how I'm placed at the end of next summer,” Taylor was quoted as saying.
“Whether there is still a drive, whether I'm good enough, whether I'm fit enough, and whether I deserve my spot in the side. If I can tick all those, then definitely 2023 is an option,” he said and added that despite his desire to continue, he won't put himself under too much pressure.
“You always want to do well and first and foremost the game is more important. At the same time, you can put extra pressure on yourself. You've just got to go out and enjoy it and take it as another game. Hopefully I can contribute in any way I can,” he said.
In case, you recall, the 35-year-old will become the first cricketer to have played 100 games in all three formats – ODI, T20 International and Test Cricket when he steps in to play the first Test against India at Basin Reserve on February 21.
Taylor will be joining the likes of Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum in the New Zealand Test 100-club and credited his mentor, late Martin Crowe for motivating him.
“He (Crowe) saw something in me that I never did. I was pretty happy to play one Test; to play 100 Tests is pretty special,” he said and added, “There's still a game to play and contribute to, but at the same time you've got to acknowledge the achievement and the fact a lot of people helped you out along the way.”
