Ross Taylor pips Stephen Fleming to become NZ’s highest Test run-scorer
Veteran batsman Ross Taylor became New Zealand’s highest Test run-scorer in his 99th match on Day 4 of the ongoing Test against Australia at the SCG. Taylor surpassed fellow teammate and ex-captain Stephen Fleming in the process (7172 runs).
Earlier in the day, Australia declared their second innings after David Warner’s unbeaten 111 helped them put up a massive target of 416 runs for the Kiwis. In response, the visitors were left deflated by the combined attack of Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc.
Taylor walked in to bat after New Zealand were reduced to 4-2, losing both their openers early. Having scored 22 runs in the first innings, he was only 21 more runs short of dethroning Fleming at the top. Taylor eventually reached the milestone post tea in Lyon’s over, hitting the ball down the ground for three runs. However, a ripper from Pat Cummins cut short his stay at the crease (22) immediately after. With just 152 runs in three Tests and a highest score of 80, the senior batsman had a below-par series down under. Despite that, he finished as New Zealand’s second-highest run-getter in the series.
TOP OF THE CLASS ? pic.twitter.com/RRNUhJoXYD
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 6, 2020
Ross Taylor: One of the greatest
A vital cog in the Kiwi setup, Taylor made his Test debut in 2007 against South Africa and has registered 19 Test hundreds so far. The senior batsman also holds the record for the most runs in ODIs, incidentally overtaking Fleming last year in February. Upon achieving the landmark, Taylor was congratulated by another teammate ex-skipper, Brendon McCullum on Twitter.
278 NZ Test Match cricketers. @RossLTaylor You deserve to sit at the top of the mountain. Your place in NZ cricketing greatness is assured. Congrats on an amazing achievement mate. pic.twitter.com/AFcIZM1kZX
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) January 6, 2020
Taylor is set to make his 100th Test appearance at Wellington next month against a touring Indian side. Both teams will be playing a full-fledged series comprising of five T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.
