Ross Taylor is right now on his seventh visit through England as a worldwide cricketer. The New Zealand batsman accepts age is only a number, and up to a player is enjoying the game, he could continue playing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/playing-golf-against-your-boss-mark-richardson-on-playing-against-team-india-386751" hreflang="en">'Playing golf against your boss': Mark Richardson on playing against Team India</a>

The veteran batsman likewise featured how players' vocations are getting stretched because of the appearance of a superior preparing system and innovation.&nbsp;Ross Taylor recognized that he had pondered retiring after the 2019 World Cup yet ultimately didn't proceed with it as he believed he could in any case add to the BlackCaps team.

In an interview with a New Zealand-based website RNZ, he said:&nbsp;"Age is just a number and as long as you're still enjoying it and feel you can contribute to the team on and off the field then hopefully I can continue. I did have 35 in my mind because of the 2019 World Cup&nbsp;but I went there and felt I could still contribute and therefore I didn't think just because it was a World Cup it was time to retire, but no I don't have a number in mind".

"With the way players train, the technology, the gym the physio, all that culminates in a long career. As long as you still enjoy it and not just playing for the sake of it I think it's better for the game and better for the youngsters who can learn off somebody",&nbsp;he added.

New Zealand players are as of now in England getting ready for an impending two-match Test arrangement against the hosts that begins on June 2. In any case, the significant fascination of the late spring is their clash against India in the World Test Championship finale on June 18.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old will be quick to convey in the forthcoming Tests against England and India given his experience.&nbsp;

Against England, Ross Taylor has played 17 Tests in his profession, storing up 1145 runs at an average of 40.8, including seven half-hundreds of years and 200. The batsman's best of 154* against England returned route in 2008 in Manchester.&nbsp;

Ross Taylor's numbers aren't too unique when we consider his exhibition in English conditions. In seven Tests in England as he averages 40.23 with the bat.

Ross Taylor is right now on his seventh visit through England as a worldwide cricketer. The New Zealand batsman accepts age is only a number, and up to a player is enjoying the game, he could continue playing.

Ross Taylor is right now on his seventh visit through England as a worldwide cricketer. The New Zealand batsman accepts age is only a number, and up to a player is enjoying the game, he could continue playing. ALSO READ: 'Playing golf against your boss': Mark Richardson on playing against Team India The veteran batsman likewise featured how players' vocations are getting stretched because of the appearance of a superior preparing system and innovation. Ross Taylor recognized that he had pondered retiring after the 2019 World Cup yet ultimately didn't proceed with it as he believed he could in any case add to the BlackCaps team. In an interview with a New Zealand-based website RNZ, he said: "Age is just a number and as long as you're still enjoying it and feel you can contribute to the team on and off the field then hopefully I can continue. I did have 35 in my mind because of the 2019 World Cup but I went there and felt I could still contribute and therefore I didn't think just because it was a World Cup it was time to retire, but no I don't have a number in mind". "With the way players train, the technology, the gym the physio, all that culminates in a long career. As long as you still enjoy it and not just playing for the sake of it I think it's better for the game and better for the youngsters who can learn off somebody", he added. New Zealand players are as of now in England getting ready for an impending two-match Test arrangement against the hosts that begins on June 2. In any case, the significant fascination of the late spring is their clash against India in the World Test Championship finale on June 18. The 37-year-old will be quick to convey in the forthcoming Tests against England and India given his experience. Against England, Ross Taylor has played 17 Tests in his profession, storing up 1145 runs at an average of 40.8, including seven half-hundreds of years and 200. The batsman's best of 154* against England returned route in 2008 in Manchester. Ross Taylor's numbers aren't too unique when we consider his exhibition in English conditions. In seven Tests in England as he averages 40.23 with the bat.

Cricket- 'Age is just a number': Ross Taylor discusses his retirement plans

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said it is nice to come this far after he became the country`s most capped player across all three formats. The former skipper achieved the feat in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval here.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-nz-all-rounder-shadab-khan-ruled-out-of-series-due-to-thigh-injury-352574" hreflang="en">Pak vs NZ: All-rounder Shadab Khan ruled out of series due to thigh injury</a>

This is Taylor`s 438th match for the New Zealand cricket team."At the start of my career, I was happy to play just one or two games. But I have come this far, it`s nice. I didn`t really expect much. I didn`t really hear what the announcer said, but few of the Pakistani players congratulated me," Taylor said after the match.

Earlier, Daniel Vettori held the record with 437 appearances to his name for New Zealand. The third player on the list is Brendon McCullum, who represented the team in 432 matches, followed by Stephen Fleming with 395 games.

After the early departure of the openers -- Tom Latham (4) and Tom Blundell (5) --, Taylor came to the rescue and joined skipper Kane Williamson. The duo played cautiously and built a 120-run stand for the third wicket.

Playing in his milestone game, Taylor scored 70 runs including six and 10 fours. Henry Nicholls came in to bat at number five. Nicholls and Williamson then had an unbeaten 89-run partnership before the day`s play came to an end. Williamson is unbeaten on 94 while Nicholls is batting on 42.

Williamson`s anchor knock derailed Pakistan`s hope to dominate the Kiwis after two quick wickets. New Zealand were at 222/3 at the end of the opening day. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged all three wickets and returned with the figures of 3-55 in his 20 overs.

"Throughout the summer it has been green, but this one (pitch) is not as green as the other two. You can expect that in a Test match. We are happy to get through unscathed. After losing those two early wickets, we definitely would have taken that. Shaheen bowled fantastically well, he was not giving you anything. It was tough," Taylor said.

"Sometimes the pressure is on the bowler when the skipper wants to make inroads and take wickets. But on these NZ wickets, the margin for error is very less. Hopefully, the up and down nature of this wicket will make things hard later, on day 4 and day 5," he added.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said it is nice to come this far after he became the country`s most capped player across all three formats. The former skipper achieved the feat in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval here.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said it is nice to come this far after he became the country`s most capped player across all three formats. The former skipper achieved the feat in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval here. Also read: Pak vs NZ: All-rounder Shadab Khan ruled out of series due to thigh injury This is Taylor`s 438th match for the New Zealand cricket team."At the start of my career, I was happy to play just one or two games. But I have come this far, it`s nice. I didn`t really expect much. I didn`t really hear what the announcer said, but few of the Pakistani players congratulated me," Taylor said after the match. Earlier, Daniel Vettori held the record with 437 appearances to his name for New Zealand. The third player on the list is Brendon McCullum, who represented the team in 432 matches, followed by Stephen Fleming with 395 games. After the early departure of the openers -- Tom Latham (4) and Tom Blundell (5) --, Taylor came to the rescue and joined skipper Kane Williamson. The duo played cautiously and built a 120-run stand for the third wicket. Playing in his milestone game, Taylor scored 70 runs including six and 10 fours. Henry Nicholls came in to bat at number five. Nicholls and Williamson then had an unbeaten 89-run partnership before the day`s play came to an end. Williamson is unbeaten on 94 while Nicholls is batting on 42. Williamson`s anchor knock derailed Pakistan`s hope to dominate the Kiwis after two quick wickets. New Zealand were at 222/3 at the end of the opening day. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged all three wickets and returned with the figures of 3-55 in his 20 overs. "Throughout the summer it has been green, but this one (pitch) is not as green as the other two. You can expect that in a Test match. We are happy to get through unscathed. After losing those two early wickets, we definitely would have taken that. Shaheen bowled fantastically well, he was not giving you anything. It was tough," Taylor said. "Sometimes the pressure is on the bowler when the skipper wants to make inroads and take wickets. But on these NZ wickets, the margin for error is very less. Hopefully, the up and down nature of this wicket will make things hard later, on day 4 and day 5," he added.

At the start of my career, was happy to play just one or two games: Ross Taylor

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor won New Zealand Cricket's top award for the third time Friday and vowed to bat on until the 2023 World Cup in India.

The 36-year-old was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in a virtual ceremony held online because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Taylor was a key part of the Black Caps' run to a second consecutive World Cup final last July, where they lost to England on the back of an obscure boundary countback rule.

In the past 12 months, he also became New Zealand's most prolific Test run-scorer and entered the record books as the first cricketer to play 100 internationals in all three formats.

"It's been an amazing year, it's been full of ups and downs," he said.

After back-to-back defeats in World Cup deciders, Taylor is hoping it's third time lucky as he targets the 2023 tournament to be held in India.

"The biggest thing, I think, is the hunger and the mental motivation to keep getting better, if that's still there then age is just a number," he told reporters.

Taylor said he would remain with the Black Caps as long as he felt he deserved his spot and was contributing to the team.

"I'll see if I can get to (age) 38 or 39, which will be the next World Cup, and we'll see from there," he said.

Taylor made his international debut in 2006 and has since played 101 Tests, 232 one-dayers and 100 T20s.

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor won New Zealand Cricket's top award for the third time Friday and vowed to bat on until the 2023 World Cup in India. The 36-year-old was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in a virtual ceremony held online because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor won New Zealand Cricket's top award for the third time Friday and vowed to bat on until the 2023 World Cup in India. The 36-year-old was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in a virtual ceremony held online because of COVID-19 restrictions. Taylor was a key part of the Black Caps' run to a second consecutive World Cup final last July, where they lost to England on the back of an obscure boundary countback rule. In the past 12 months, he also became New Zealand's most prolific Test run-scorer and entered the record books as the first cricketer to play 100 internationals in all three formats. "It's been an amazing year, it's been full of ups and downs," he said. After back-to-back defeats in World Cup deciders, Taylor is hoping it's third time lucky as he targets the 2023 tournament to be held in India. "The biggest thing, I think, is the hunger and the mental motivation to keep getting better, if that's still there then age is just a number," he told reporters. Taylor said he would remain with the Black Caps as long as he felt he deserved his spot and was contributing to the team. "I'll see if I can get to (age) 38 or 39, which will be the next World Cup, and we'll see from there," he said. Taylor made his international debut in 2006 and has since played 101 Tests, 232 one-dayers and 100 T20s.

Ross Taylor wins Kiwi cricket's top gong, eyes World Cup exit in India

New Zealand's pace hit a massive speed-breaker after consistently losing wickets in the later stages of the play but still managed to get an above-par score by the end of the innings.&nbsp;

After New Zealand lost the toss, Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls opened for the Kiwis and put up a 96 runs stand for the first wicket.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Overs 1-10: 52/0 
Overs 11-20: 108/1 
Overs 21-30: 159/3 
Overs 31-40: 195/7 
Overs 41-50: 273/8 
 
Ross Taylor's 73* after Guptill's 79 has helped 🇳🇿 to a fighting total despite Indian bowling brilliance in the middle overs.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/HJW3KSRkPd">pic.twitter.com/HJW3KSRkPd</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1226019947299721217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At one stage they were looking good at 142/1, aiming 300+ score, they lost 7 wickets in the next 55 runs. They set 274 as the target for the visiting side.

India's choice of bringing in Yuzvendra Chahal paid off as he scalped 3 wickets.&nbsp;

Henry Nicholls scored 41 runs off 59 balls, he was out after being lbw by Chahal.&nbsp;

Martin Guptill continued his good form on Eden Park, Auckland. He scored his first half-century in 11 matches. He smashed 79 runs until he was run-out after a wrong call by Ross Taylor.&nbsp;

After that Kiwis had a collapse of wickets after Guptill's dismissal.&nbsp;

Fall of wickets: 93-1 (Henry Nicholls, 16.5), 142-2 (Tom Blundell, 26.3), 157-3 (Martin Guptill, 29.2), 171-4 (Tom Latham, 33.1), 175-5 (James Neesham, 34.2), 185-6 (Colin de Grandhomme, 36.6), 187-7 (Mark Chapman, 37.4), 197-8 (Tim Southee, 41.3)

Ross Taylor helped Kiwis survive a scare and continued his good form after scoring a half-century (73 runs) and his quick-fire &nbsp;76 runs partnership with debutant Kyle Jamieson helped New Zealand power to 273.&nbsp;

India have yet again struggled to bowl out the lower order, after their last wicket (Tim Southee) which fell on 197/8, Kiwis managed to get highest 9th wicket partnership at Auckland.&nbsp;

Highest 9th wicket partnership at Auckland: 
76* R Taylor - K Jamieson v IND 2020 
54* G Larsen - C Pringle v AUS 1993 
35 C McMillan - D Vettori v AUS 2000

Most runs in IND-NZ (ODIs): 
1750 Sachin Tendulkar 
1373 Ross Taylor* 
1354 Virat Kohli 
1207 Nathan Astle 
1157 Virender Sehwag

India need 274 runs in 300 balls, with a required run-rate of 5.48.&nbsp;

New Zealand's pace hit a massive speed-breaker after consistently losing wickets in the later stages of the play but still managed to get an above-par score by the end of the innings.

New Zealand's pace hit a massive speed-breaker after consistently losing wickets in the later stages of the play but still managed to get an above-par score by the end of the innings. After New Zealand lost the toss, Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls opened for the Kiwis and put up a 96 runs stand for the first wicket. Overs 1-10: 52/0 Overs 11-20: 108/1 Overs 21-30: 159/3 Overs 31-40: 195/7 Overs 41-50: 273/8 Ross Taylor's 73* after Guptill's 79 has helped 🇳🇿 to a fighting total despite Indian bowling brilliance in the middle overs.#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/HJW3KSRkPd — ICC (@ICC) February 8, 2020 × At one stage they were looking good at 142/1, aiming 300+ score, they lost 7 wickets in the next 55 runs. They set 274 as the target for the visiting side. India's choice of bringing in Yuzvendra Chahal paid off as he scalped 3 wickets. Henry Nicholls scored 41 runs off 59 balls, he was out after being lbw by Chahal. Martin Guptill continued his good form on Eden Park, Auckland. He scored his first half-century in 11 matches. He smashed 79 runs until he was run-out after a wrong call by Ross Taylor. After that Kiwis had a collapse of wickets after Guptill's dismissal. Fall of wickets: 93-1 (Henry Nicholls, 16.5), 142-2 (Tom Blundell, 26.3), 157-3 (Martin Guptill, 29.2), 171-4 (Tom Latham, 33.1), 175-5 (James Neesham, 34.2), 185-6 (Colin de Grandhomme, 36.6), 187-7 (Mark Chapman, 37.4), 197-8 (Tim Southee, 41.3) Ross Taylor helped Kiwis survive a scare and continued his good form after scoring a half-century (73 runs) and his quick-fire 76 runs partnership with debutant Kyle Jamieson helped New Zealand power to 273. India have yet again struggled to bowl out the lower order, after their last wicket (Tim Southee) which fell on 197/8, Kiwis managed to get highest 9th wicket partnership at Auckland. Highest 9th wicket partnership at Auckland: 76* R Taylor - K Jamieson v IND 2020 54* G Larsen - C Pringle v AUS 1993 35 C McMillan - D Vettori v AUS 2000 Most runs in IND-NZ (ODIs): 1750 Sachin Tendulkar 1373 Ross Taylor* 1354 Virat Kohli 1207 Nathan Astle 1157 Virender Sehwag India need 274 runs in 300 balls, with a required run-rate of 5.48.

India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI first innings: Kiwis survive scare after Ross-Kyle's 76 runs stand

New Zealand have clinched the ODI series against India after beating them in a nail-biting finish by 22 runs in the second ODI at Eden Park, Auckland.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-live-score-india-win-the-toss-opt-to-bowl-279311">Over-by-over coverage of the match</a>

After New Zealand lost the toss, Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls opened for the Kiwis and put up a 96 runs stand for the first wicket.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-first-innings-kiwis-survive-scare-after-ross-kyles-76-runs-stand-279403" hreflang="en">India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI first innings: Kiwis survive scare after Ross-Kyle's 76 runs stand</a>

Martin Guptill continued his good form on Eden Park, Auckland. He scored his first half-century in 11 matches. He smashed 79 runs until he was run-out after a wrong call by Ross Taylor.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/UrvDbMjTu0">pic.twitter.com/UrvDbMjTu0</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1226085889396396032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After that Kiwis had a collapse of wickets after Guptill's dismissal.&nbsp;

Ross Taylor helped Kiwis survive a scare and continued his good form after scoring a half-century (73 runs) and his quick-fire &nbsp;76 runs partnership with debutant Kyle Jamieson helped New Zealand power to 273.&nbsp;

India have yet again struggled to bowl out the lower order, after their last wicket (Tim Southee) which fell on 197/8, Kiwis managed to get highest 9th wicket partnership at Auckland.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A tight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> contest, a run out right at the death, and Ravindra Jadeja falling just short of pulling off a miracle... Stop us if you've heard this one before 😉 <a href="https://t.co/Pw4LM8qFcI">pic.twitter.com/Pw4LM8qFcI</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1226084110579400704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India needed 274 in 50 overs, Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal opened for the Men in Blue.&nbsp;

Indian batsmen failed to get a consistent good partnership. All batsmen except Shreyas Iyer (52 runs) and Ravindra Jadeja (55 runs) could not perform well with the bat. Despite Jadeja and Navdeep Saini's 50 runs partnership and brilliant bowling performance by the Indian team in the middle overs, still, they could not capitalise over their weakness. India scored 251/10.&nbsp;

Navdeep Saini's brave 45 runs had put the Kiwis in pressure.&nbsp;

Debutant Kyle Jamieson shines on his debut. He took Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini's wicket who was looking explosive with his bat. He took two wickets against India.&nbsp;

Tim Southee continued his good run, he took 2 wickets and became the most successful bowler against Virat Kohli. He has dismissed Kohli 9 times across all formats.&nbsp;

Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Bennett took two wickets each.&nbsp;

James Neesham took the final wicket (Jadeja - 55 runs) and sealed the series for the Kiwis.&nbsp;

New Zealand beat India in the three-match series by 2-0.&nbsp;

Debutant Kyle Jamieson won the man of the match.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

New Zealand have clinched the ODI series against India after beating them in a nail-biting finish by 22 runs in the second ODI at Eden Park, Auckland. Also read: Over-by-over coverage of the match After New Zealand lost the toss, Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls opened for the Kiwis and put up a 96 runs stand for the first wicket.

New Zealand have clinched the ODI series against India after beating them in a nail-biting finish by 22 runs in the second ODI at Eden Park, Auckland. Also read: Over-by-over coverage of the match After New Zealand lost the toss, Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls opened for the Kiwis and put up a 96 runs stand for the first wicket. Also read: India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI first innings: Kiwis survive scare after Ross-Kyle's 76 runs stand Martin Guptill continued his good form on Eden Park, Auckland. He scored his first half-century in 11 matches. He smashed 79 runs until he was run-out after a wrong call by Ross Taylor. 💪#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/UrvDbMjTu0 — ICC (@ICC) February 8, 2020 × After that Kiwis had a collapse of wickets after Guptill's dismissal. Ross Taylor helped Kiwis survive a scare and continued his good form after scoring a half-century (73 runs) and his quick-fire 76 runs partnership with debutant Kyle Jamieson helped New Zealand power to 273. India have yet again struggled to bowl out the lower order, after their last wicket (Tim Southee) which fell on 197/8, Kiwis managed to get highest 9th wicket partnership at Auckland. A tight #NZvIND contest, a run out right at the death, and Ravindra Jadeja falling just short of pulling off a miracle... Stop us if you've heard this one before 😉 pic.twitter.com/Pw4LM8qFcI — ICC (@ICC) February 8, 2020 × India needed 274 in 50 overs, Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal opened for the Men in Blue. Indian batsmen failed to get a consistent good partnership. All batsmen except Shreyas Iyer (52 runs) and Ravindra Jadeja (55 runs) could not perform well with the bat. Despite Jadeja and Navdeep Saini's 50 runs partnership and brilliant bowling performance by the Indian team in the middle overs, still, they could not capitalise over their weakness. India scored 251/10. Navdeep Saini's brave 45 runs had put the Kiwis in pressure. Debutant Kyle Jamieson shines on his debut. He took Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini's wicket who was looking explosive with his bat. He took two wickets against India. Tim Southee continued his good run, he took 2 wickets and became the most successful bowler against Virat Kohli. He has dismissed Kohli 9 times across all formats. Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Bennett took two wickets each. James Neesham took the final wicket (Jadeja - 55 runs) and sealed the series for the Kiwis. New Zealand beat India in the three-match series by 2-0. Debutant Kyle Jamieson won the man of the match.

New Zealand vs India, 2nd ODI: New Zealand seal the series after beating India by 22 runs

New Zealand&nbsp;get their first win of the tour against India, they beat the visitors by 4 wickets. The Blackcaps chased India's mammoth score (347 runs) with 11 balls to spare.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-1st-odi-live-score-new-zealand-win-the-toss-and-opt-to-bowl-278611">Over-by-over play of India versus New Zealand's first ODI</a>

India began their first ODI match with a change in the opening pair, many people were surprised when Indian Skipper Virat Kohli decided to send Mayank Agarwal along Prithvi Shaw, instead of KL Rahul.&nbsp;

The opening pair were debuting for India. They had a decent opening partnership of 50 runs until Prithvi Shaw got out (20 runs off 21 balls). He was followed by Mayank Agarwal, who scored 32 runs off 31 balls.

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer took the team forward and had a 102 runs partnership. Virat scored 51 runs, whereas Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden ODI century for team India. He scored 103 runs in 107 balls.&nbsp;

Lokesh Rahul's sublime form continues as his quick 88 runs and Kedhar Jadhav's cameo (26 runs in 15 balls) helped India pose a good score of 347 runs.&nbsp;

In reply the Kiwis came down to bat with Henry Nicholls and Martin Guptill, New Zealand started off well as the opening pair added 85 runs to the wicket.&nbsp;

Henry Nicholls scored 78 runs in 82 balls. Tom Blundell had a disappointing debut match, he scored just 9 runs off 10 balls.&nbsp;

Ross Taylor and New Zealand skipper Tom Latham's partnership shattered Indian hopes of continues dominance in the tour. They added 131 runs partnership for the team.&nbsp;

Ross Taylor scored his 21st ODI century in the match. This was his 12th in New Zealand, 3rd against India and 4th in Seddon Park, Hamilton.&nbsp;

Kiwi skipper Tom Latham ensured that his role as a skipper was given to him for a reason, he scored 69 runs off 48 balls which included 8 fours and 2 sixes.&nbsp;

Ross Taylor has been judged the 'Man of the Match' after his performance versus India today.&nbsp;

New Zealand lead three-ODI match series against India (1-0).&nbsp;

They next meet in Auckland on February 8.&nbsp;

New Zealand get their first win of the tour against India, they beat the visitors by 4 wickets. The Blackcaps chased India's mammoth score (347 runs) with 11 balls to spare.

New Zealand get their first win of the tour against India, they beat the visitors by 4 wickets. The Blackcaps chased India's mammoth score (347 runs) with 11 balls to spare. Also read: Over-by-over play of India versus New Zealand's first ODI India began their first ODI match with a change in the opening pair, many people were surprised when Indian Skipper Virat Kohli decided to send Mayank Agarwal along Prithvi Shaw, instead of KL Rahul. The opening pair were debuting for India. They had a decent opening partnership of 50 runs until Prithvi Shaw got out (20 runs off 21 balls). He was followed by Mayank Agarwal, who scored 32 runs off 31 balls. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer took the team forward and had a 102 runs partnership. Virat scored 51 runs, whereas Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden ODI century for team India. He scored 103 runs in 107 balls. Lokesh Rahul's sublime form continues as his quick 88 runs and Kedhar Jadhav's cameo (26 runs in 15 balls) helped India pose a good score of 347 runs. In reply the Kiwis came down to bat with Henry Nicholls and Martin Guptill, New Zealand started off well as the opening pair added 85 runs to the wicket. Henry Nicholls scored 78 runs in 82 balls. Tom Blundell had a disappointing debut match, he scored just 9 runs off 10 balls. Ross Taylor and New Zealand skipper Tom Latham's partnership shattered Indian hopes of continues dominance in the tour. They added 131 runs partnership for the team. Ross Taylor scored his 21st ODI century in the match. This was his 12th in New Zealand, 3rd against India and 4th in Seddon Park, Hamilton. Kiwi skipper Tom Latham ensured that his role as a skipper was given to him for a reason, he scored 69 runs off 48 balls which included 8 fours and 2 sixes. Ross Taylor has been judged the 'Man of the Match' after his performance versus India today. New Zealand lead three-ODI match series against India (1-0). They next meet in Auckland on February 8.

New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI: Kiwis outshine Men in Blue, win by 6 wickets

New Zealand's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/slvsnz-trent-boult-tim-southee-rattle-sri-lanka-in-rain-hit-test-245147">Trent Boult</a> remains a doubt for the first Test against Australia due to a side injury but captain Kane Williamson says he will give the pace spearhead every chance to prove his fitness before the match begins in Perth on Thursday.

The tourists are sweating on the fitness of their ace quick with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-open-to-pink-ball-test-in-australia-with-proper-planning-264249">pink ball</a> used in the inaugural day-nighter at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-class-perth-stadium-gets-icc-green-light-29196https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-class-perth-stadium-gets-icc-green-light-29196">Perth Stadium</a> set to suit Boult’s penchant for swing.

Williamson said the team’s training session late on Wednesday would likely determine the availability of Boult, who had managed to get through training on Tuesday.

"We’re going to have another look at (Boult) today before deciding anything tomorrow,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“I think you look at it as a long-term decision in terms of this whole series. He has tracked really nicely and felt really good yesterday.”

Williamson was more confident in the injury status of veteran batsman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ross-taylor-fit-to-play-in-first-test-against-england-kane-williamson-36590">Ross Taylor</a> (thumb) and all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-grandhomme-seals-black-caps-win-over-pakistan-29742">Colin de Grandhomme</a> (abdominal muscle).

“Ross is fine, just a bit of a knock but nothing major. Colin is tracking nicely,” he said.

Uncapped fast bowler Lockie Ferguson could make his test debut on an expected fast, bouncy Perth pitch, which is expected to deteriorate with fierce heat forecast for most of the match.

“It’s exciting we’ve got Lockie in our squad to consider him,” Williamson said. “It’s exciting to have a guy in our camp who can bowl at that speed.”

Both teams are to wear black armbands as a tribute to the victims of New Zealand’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-people-near-new-zealand-volcano-when-it-erupted-pm-jacinda-ardern-267054">White Island volcano</a> eruption and Williamson said the news had been a shock.

"It’s very hard to comprehend. When a tragedy like this happens it’s such a shock,” he added.

New Zealand's Trent Boult remains a doubt for the first Test against Australia due to a side injury but captain Kane Williamson says he will give the pace spearhead every chance to prove his fitness before the match begins in Perth on Thursday.

New Zealand's Trent Boult remains a doubt for the first Test against Australia due to a side injury but captain Kane Williamson says he will give the pace spearhead every chance to prove his fitness before the match begins in Perth on Thursday. The tourists are sweating on the fitness of their ace quick with the pink ball used in the inaugural day-nighter at Perth Stadium set to suit Boult’s penchant for swing. Williamson said the team’s training session late on Wednesday would likely determine the availability of Boult, who had managed to get through training on Tuesday. "We’re going to have another look at (Boult) today before deciding anything tomorrow,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “I think you look at it as a long-term decision in terms of this whole series. He has tracked really nicely and felt really good yesterday.” Williamson was more confident in the injury status of veteran batsman Ross Taylor (thumb) and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (abdominal muscle). “Ross is fine, just a bit of a knock but nothing major. Colin is tracking nicely,” he said. Uncapped fast bowler Lockie Ferguson could make his test debut on an expected fast, bouncy Perth pitch, which is expected to deteriorate with fierce heat forecast for most of the match. “It’s exciting we’ve got Lockie in our squad to consider him,” Williamson said. “It’s exciting to have a guy in our camp who can bowl at that speed.” Both teams are to wear black armbands as a tribute to the victims of New Zealand’s White Island volcano eruption and Williamson said the news had been a shock. "It’s very hard to comprehend. When a tragedy like this happens it’s such a shock,” he added.

Cricket: New Zealand spearhead Boult a doubt for first Test

Ross Taylor hit an unbeaten half-century to keep New Zealand afloat after Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed five wickets on a rain-hit day one of the first Test on Wednesday.

New Zealand were 203 for five, having recovered from 71-3 at lunch, when rain stopped play for the day in the final session in Galle with Taylor batting on 86.

Dananjaya claimed his fourth five-wicket haul, bowling with a remodelled action after being reported for a suspect action last year.

The mystery spinner took three early wickets including skipper Kane Williamson for nought before Taylor put on 100 runs for the fourth wicket with Henry Nicholls.

Dananjaya, who was overlooked for Tests in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, trapped Nicholls for 42 to break the century stand and then got BJ Watling for one to make New Zealand slip further.

"There's no drastic change to my action. I needed to change a few things and with the help of spin bowling coach Piyal Wijetunga, I did the necessary changes," Dananjaya told reporters.

"I used to send videos to him to get more feedback and really happy with my action now."

Highest score

Taylor handled pace and spin with aplomb as he registered his 31st Test 50 and had no problems resisting Dananjaya, who mixed up his deliveries to outfox the batsmen.

Taylor registered the highest score by a Kiwi batsman in a Test match at Galle, surpassing the 69 by Tim McIntosh. New Zealand have struggled at this venue having lost all three previous Tests.

“They were tough at times. The ball certainly spun a little earlier than we thought, but we expected it to be turning," Nicholls said of the Galle wicket.

"If we can get some partnerships first through Mitch and Ross but also through the lower order with the tail -- all those innings are going to be valuable when the wicket does get tougher to bat on."

Earlier, openers Jeet Raval and Tom Latham put on 64 runs before Dananjaya struck on a pitch that is already offering big turn.

Latham was the first to go after being caught behind for 30 as Dananjaya got the left-handed batsman to poke at a delivery that was turning away.

Williamson fell three balls later when he flicked one straight into the hands of his opposite number Dimuth Karunaratne at short mid-wicket.

In the last over before lunch, Raval failed to pick a googly and was caught at first slip by Dhananjaya de Silva for 33.

Both Sri Lanka and New Zealand are playing their first match of the World Test Championship, which has nine top teams competing for supremacy in the five-day format.

Play was stopped at 3.42 pm (1012 GMT) due to rain and half an hour later was called off with 22 overs lost in the day. Play will resume early on Thursday.

Ross Taylor hit an unbeaten half-century to keep New Zealand afloat after Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed five wickets on a rain-hit day one of the first Test on Wednesday.

Ross Taylor hit an unbeaten half-century to keep New Zealand afloat after Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed five wickets on a rain-hit day one of the first Test on Wednesday. New Zealand were 203 for five, having recovered from 71-3 at lunch, when rain stopped play for the day in the final session in Galle with Taylor batting on 86. Dananjaya claimed his fourth five-wicket haul, bowling with a remodelled action after being reported for a suspect action last year. The mystery spinner took three early wickets including skipper Kane Williamson for nought before Taylor put on 100 runs for the fourth wicket with Henry Nicholls. Dananjaya, who was overlooked for Tests in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, trapped Nicholls for 42 to break the century stand and then got BJ Watling for one to make New Zealand slip further. "There's no drastic change to my action. I needed to change a few things and with the help of spin bowling coach Piyal Wijetunga, I did the necessary changes," Dananjaya told reporters. "I used to send videos to him to get more feedback and really happy with my action now." Highest score Taylor handled pace and spin with aplomb as he registered his 31st Test 50 and had no problems resisting Dananjaya, who mixed up his deliveries to outfox the batsmen. Taylor registered the highest score by a Kiwi batsman in a Test match at Galle, surpassing the 69 by Tim McIntosh. New Zealand have struggled at this venue having lost all three previous Tests. “They were tough at times. The ball certainly spun a little earlier than we thought, but we expected it to be turning," Nicholls said of the Galle wicket. "If we can get some partnerships first through Mitch and Ross but also through the lower order with the tail -- all those innings are going to be valuable when the wicket does get tougher to bat on." Earlier, openers Jeet Raval and Tom Latham put on 64 runs before Dananjaya struck on a pitch that is already offering big turn. Latham was the first to go after being caught behind for 30 as Dananjaya got the left-handed batsman to poke at a delivery that was turning away. Williamson fell three balls later when he flicked one straight into the hands of his opposite number Dimuth Karunaratne at short mid-wicket. In the last over before lunch, Raval failed to pick a googly and was caught at first slip by Dhananjaya de Silva for 33. Both Sri Lanka and New Zealand are playing their first match of the World Test Championship, which has nine top teams competing for supremacy in the five-day format. Play was stopped at 3.42 pm (1012 GMT) due to rain and half an hour later was called off with 22 overs lost in the day. Play will resume early on Thursday.

Galle Test: Ross Taylor rescues New Zealand after Dananjaya's five-wicket haul

World Cup final: Players to watch out for in England vs New Zealand clash

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is a "world-class" leader and pundits should not brand him as timid or cautious after the Kiwis lost their last two matches at the Cricket World Cup, batsman Ross Taylor said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealands-trent-boult-takes-world-cup-hat-trick-against-australia-231583&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik5ZzOkZjjAhVMLo8KHbaeC2kQFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bi3h_rwdFfwzpCSvM9Bvz">New Zealand</a> were firm favourites to become the first team to seal a semi-final spot after winning five matches in a row but consecutive losses to Pakistan and Australia have left Williamson's side in third place with one game to go.

British media have picked on Williamson's sedate captaincy style which they said was in stark contrast to former captain Brendon McCullum's gung-ho approach but Taylor said he was not concerned by the reaction from pundits.

"I think Kane is a fantastic world-class batsman and a world-class captain," he told reporters ahead of Wednesday's match against England. "You don't have to look far, the last couple of matches.''

"There are some pundits out there saying he was a great captain. We lose a couple of games and he is a bad captain. He is still a great captain, leads from the front and the team respect him and I love playing under him.''

"I played under many different captains, Brendon was the extreme and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2015-firmly-behind-kane-williamsons-new-zealand-as-they-reunite-with-sri-lanka-223318&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik5ZzOkZjjAhVMLo8KHbaeC2kQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3e4Gib8bbdanDAS87pBEc3">Kane </a>has his own unique style... Brendon would want to set very attacking fields throughout the whole match and Kane would pick his moments when he wants to attack," said Taylor.

Taylor said he expected a high-scoring match at The Riverside Ground after Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 23 runs at the same venue on Monday, with both teams scoring 300-plus runs.

"I think it will be a good wicket," Taylor added. "I think we saw yesterday (in the) Sri Lanka-West Indies (game), 300 played 300. So I think we've got to expect... scores of 300-plus.

"But in saying that, both teams have got very good bowling lineups that can exploit conditions if suited and vice versa some very powerful batting lineups as well."

A win against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-england-end-indias-unbeaten-run-to-revive-semis-hopes-231858&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl5LT4kZjjAhVZinAKHcg8CswQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0P3LpmRK4ucDwqMrAk4xc2">England </a>will seal a semi-final spot for the Kiwis but - placed three points behind Australia - they cannot top the standings.

However, Taylor said a top-four finish was their primary target and not their seeding for the semi-final fixtures.

"We said at the start of the tournament, it doesn't matter if you go on as the first seed or the fourth seed as long as you make the semi-finals," the 35-year-old said.

"Once you make the semi-finals, you know you are only two games away," Taylor said.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is a "world-class" leader and pundits should not brand him as timid or cautious after the Kiwis lost their last two matches at the Cricket World Cup, batsman Ross Taylor said on Tuesday.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is a "world-class" leader and pundits should not brand him as timid or cautious after the Kiwis lost their last two matches at the Cricket World Cup, batsman Ross Taylor said on Tuesday. New Zealand were firm favourites to become the first team to seal a semi-final spot after winning five matches in a row but consecutive losses to Pakistan and Australia have left Williamson's side in third place with one game to go. British media have picked on Williamson's sedate captaincy style which they said was in stark contrast to former captain Brendon McCullum's gung-ho approach but Taylor said he was not concerned by the reaction from pundits. "I think Kane is a fantastic world-class batsman and a world-class captain," he told reporters ahead of Wednesday's match against England. "You don't have to look far, the last couple of matches.'' "There are some pundits out there saying he was a great captain. We lose a couple of games and he is a bad captain. He is still a great captain, leads from the front and the team respect him and I love playing under him.'' "I played under many different captains, Brendon was the extreme and Kane has his own unique style... Brendon would want to set very attacking fields throughout the whole match and Kane would pick his moments when he wants to attack," said Taylor. Taylor said he expected a high-scoring match at The Riverside Ground after Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 23 runs at the same venue on Monday, with both teams scoring 300-plus runs. "I think it will be a good wicket," Taylor added. "I think we saw yesterday (in the) Sri Lanka-West Indies (game), 300 played 300. So I think we've got to expect... scores of 300-plus. "But in saying that, both teams have got very good bowling lineups that can exploit conditions if suited and vice versa some very powerful batting lineups as well." A win against England will seal a semi-final spot for the Kiwis but - placed three points behind Australia - they cannot top the standings. However, Taylor said a top-four finish was their primary target and not their seeding for the semi-final fixtures. "We said at the start of the tournament, it doesn't matter if you go on as the first seed or the fourth seed as long as you make the semi-finals," the 35-year-old said. "Once you make the semi-finals, you know you are only two games away," Taylor said.

Ross Taylor slams skipper Kane Williamson's critics ahead of New Zealand vs England clash

Lanky paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi took three quick wickets to leave New Zealand in desperate trouble at 46-4 in the World Cup match against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Mohammad Amir bowled Martin Guptill with the score on five before Shaheen had opener Colin Munro caught by Haris Sohail in the slips for 12.

Ross Taylor then edged a Shaheen delivery to wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed to depart for three and Tom Latham departed in similar fashion.

New Zealand, who won the toss and chose to bat, struggled passed fifty in the 16th over, with captain Kane Williamson and Jimmy Neesham unbeaten.

Shaheen's figures were an eye-catching 3-9 off his first six overs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-new-zealand-win-the-toss-opt-to-bat-against-pakistan-230594">Overnight rain delayed the start</a> by an hour but the umpires decided the match would remain at 50 overs per side.

New Zealand, who are second on the 10-team table with 11 points, kept the same team for the fifth match in a row.

Pakistan, who are seventh in the table with five points, also kept faith with the team that beat South Africa at Lord's on Sunday.

If New Zealand win they will join title holders Australia in the semi-finals.

Lanky paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi took three quick wickets to leave New Zealand in desperate trouble at 46-4 in the World Cup match against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Lanky paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi took three quick wickets to leave New Zealand in desperate trouble at 46-4 in the World Cup match against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday. Mohammad Amir bowled Martin Guptill with the score on five before Shaheen had opener Colin Munro caught by Haris Sohail in the slips for 12. Ross Taylor then edged a Shaheen delivery to wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed to depart for three and Tom Latham departed in similar fashion. New Zealand, who won the toss and chose to bat, struggled passed fifty in the 16th over, with captain Kane Williamson and Jimmy Neesham unbeaten. Shaheen's figures were an eye-catching 3-9 off his first six overs. Overnight rain delayed the start by an hour but the umpires decided the match would remain at 50 overs per side. New Zealand, who are second on the 10-team table with 11 points, kept the same team for the fifth match in a row. Pakistan, who are seventh in the table with five points, also kept faith with the team that beat South Africa at Lord's on Sunday. If New Zealand win they will join title holders Australia in the semi-finals.

World Cup: Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi tears through New Zealand top order

New Zealand's steady supply of left-handed batsmen will come in handy in Thursday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a> match against an Indian team without that variety in their top order, senior Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor said on the eve of the match.&nbsp;

Opener Shikhar Dhawan's injury has not only robbed India of a left-right pair at the top of their order but has also left the two-times champions without a southpaw in the top half of their batting.&nbsp;

In contrast, New Zealand have three left-handers in their top six, including opener Colin Munro.&nbsp;

"Obviously Shikhar is a big loss to India," Taylor told reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"He and Rohit Sharma have a very good partnership, and I think they complement each other well because they're right and left-handed.&nbsp;

"I think we've had a similar balanced side for a long time, and when you do have a right-left hand combination, it does put pressure in different ways on the bowling opposition."

A left-right combination forces bowlers to alter line and length while the fielding captain is also compelled to tinker with field settings every time the batsmen change ends.

Taylor said such variety in the batting lineup was necessary to make the most of the World Cup grounds.

"A lot of these grounds in the UK have a short boundary to one side, and if you've got two right-handers or two left-handers, you can't exploit it as much...

"It's traditionally a short boundary here. If that is the case, then hopefully we can exploit it with the right and left-handers."

A lot will depend on how New Zealand fare against the wrist-spin of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav but the 35-year-old Taylor reckoned the duo might bowl slightly more defensively at Trent Bridge.

"Shorter boundaries can sometimes play in the minds of the spinners, one might spin a little bit more defensive, but with the weather around and so much uncertainty, we'll just have to wait and see," he said.

The 2015 finalists have made a perfect start in their quest for a maiden World Cup title, winning their first three matches before the tournament was hit by poor weather, which has already resulted in three matches being either called off or abandoned.

"I said at the start of the tournament that luck is going to play a part," Taylor said.

"England is a beautiful place, but it's not famous for good weather. In saying that, there's still a long way to go in this tournament. I'm sure there's going to be rained out games that could have freaked us along the way."

New Zealand's steady supply of left-handed batsmen will come in handy in Thursday's World Cup match against an Indian team without that variety in their top order, senior Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor said on the eve of the match.

New Zealand's steady supply of left-handed batsmen will come in handy in Thursday's World Cup match against an Indian team without that variety in their top order, senior Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor said on the eve of the match. Opener Shikhar Dhawan's injury has not only robbed India of a left-right pair at the top of their order but has also left the two-times champions without a southpaw in the top half of their batting. In contrast, New Zealand have three left-handers in their top six, including opener Colin Munro. "Obviously Shikhar is a big loss to India," Taylor told reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday. "He and Rohit Sharma have a very good partnership, and I think they complement each other well because they're right and left-handed. "I think we've had a similar balanced side for a long time, and when you do have a right-left hand combination, it does put pressure in different ways on the bowling opposition." A left-right combination forces bowlers to alter line and length while the fielding captain is also compelled to tinker with field settings every time the batsmen change ends. Taylor said such variety in the batting lineup was necessary to make the most of the World Cup grounds. "A lot of these grounds in the UK have a short boundary to one side, and if you've got two right-handers or two left-handers, you can't exploit it as much... "It's traditionally a short boundary here. If that is the case, then hopefully we can exploit it with the right and left-handers." A lot will depend on how New Zealand fare against the wrist-spin of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav but the 35-year-old Taylor reckoned the duo might bowl slightly more defensively at Trent Bridge. "Shorter boundaries can sometimes play in the minds of the spinners, one might spin a little bit more defensive, but with the weather around and so much uncertainty, we'll just have to wait and see," he said. The 2015 finalists have made a perfect start in their quest for a maiden World Cup title, winning their first three matches before the tournament was hit by poor weather, which has already resulted in three matches being either called off or abandoned. "I said at the start of the tournament that luck is going to play a part," Taylor said. "England is a beautiful place, but it's not famous for good weather. In saying that, there's still a long way to go in this tournament. I'm sure there's going to be rained out games that could have freaked us along the way."

New Zealand to reap left-right benefit against India: Ross Taylor

Players to watch out for in India vs New Zealand clash at World Cup

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-beat-bangladesh-by-two-wickets-in-cricket-world-cup-224798">New Zealand to victory</a> on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old bespectacled all-rounder, who arrived at the crease with his side in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, held the tail together and hit the winning runs with 17 balls remaining in the match.

Santner scored an unbeaten 17 off 12 balls and ensured the Black Caps advanced from 218-6 through to their 245-run target with his lofted off-drive from Mustafizur Rahman taking them past Bangladesh's total for two crucial competition points.

"Bangladesh were on top there for a while and you can hear it through the crowd," Santner told reporters.

"I think a big thing is communication between you and your partner. We were just trying to keep it about playing ball by ball. If they bowl a good ball then you can just try and get your ones and twos and go from there," Santner said.

Kane Williamson's side restricted the Tigers to 244 and with Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor (82) taking them through to 160-2 in the 32nd over, the 2015 World Cup finalists looked on course for an easy win.

Bangladesh's slow bowlers, however, fought back as New Zealand lost wickets at crucial junctures until Santner's 20-run stand with Matt Henry pushed them to the cusp of victory.

"I thought we were cruising there for a while, we were going to get that two or three down. But credit to the way Bangladesh bowled, they kept fighting to the end," Santner said.

It was not the first time that Santner demonstrated his calmness under pressure in one-day internationals.

Last year he smashed 45 not out from 27 balls to guide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-9-bangladesh-vs-new-zealand-224576">New Zealand</a> to a three-wicket win in Hamilton against England and followed that up with scores of 63 not out in a six-wicket loss at Mt. Maunganui.

His run out for 41 in the next game in Wellington probably cost the hosts a win in the five-run loss while he top-scored again with 67 in the fifth game against Eoin Morgan's side.

"You want to perform on the biggest stage and there's none bigger than the World Cup," said the left-arm spinner, who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury.

"It was nice to get the boys over the line. It got a bit tighter than we would have liked but we'll take the win and move on to the next game," Santner said.

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide New Zealand to victory on Wednesday.

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide New Zealand to victory on Wednesday. The 27-year-old bespectacled all-rounder, who arrived at the crease with his side in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, held the tail together and hit the winning runs with 17 balls remaining in the match. Santner scored an unbeaten 17 off 12 balls and ensured the Black Caps advanced from 218-6 through to their 245-run target with his lofted off-drive from Mustafizur Rahman taking them past Bangladesh's total for two crucial competition points. "Bangladesh were on top there for a while and you can hear it through the crowd," Santner told reporters. "I think a big thing is communication between you and your partner. We were just trying to keep it about playing ball by ball. If they bowl a good ball then you can just try and get your ones and twos and go from there," Santner said. Kane Williamson's side restricted the Tigers to 244 and with Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor (82) taking them through to 160-2 in the 32nd over, the 2015 World Cup finalists looked on course for an easy win. Bangladesh's slow bowlers, however, fought back as New Zealand lost wickets at crucial junctures until Santner's 20-run stand with Matt Henry pushed them to the cusp of victory. "I thought we were cruising there for a while, we were going to get that two or three down. But credit to the way Bangladesh bowled, they kept fighting to the end," Santner said. It was not the first time that Santner demonstrated his calmness under pressure in one-day internationals. Last year he smashed 45 not out from 27 balls to guide New Zealand to a three-wicket win in Hamilton against England and followed that up with scores of 63 not out in a six-wicket loss at Mt. Maunganui. His run out for 41 in the next game in Wellington probably cost the hosts a win in the five-run loss while he top-scored again with 67 in the fifth game against Eoin Morgan's side. "You want to perform on the biggest stage and there's none bigger than the World Cup," said the left-arm spinner, who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury. "It was nice to get the boys over the line. It got a bit tighter than we would have liked but we'll take the win and move on to the next game," Santner said.

World Cup: Ice-cold Mitchell Santner showcases finishing ability, takes New Zealand past Bangladesh

New Zeland defeated India in the warm-up match for the Cricket World Cup 2019 on Saturday at the Oval by six wickets.&nbsp;

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor struck half-centuries each as the team chased down the target in 37.1 overs.&nbsp;

"The wicket didn't have enough in the second innings. Very good innings." said the losing captain Virat Kohli after the match.&nbsp;

"In a tournament like WC, the lower order has to score at times if the top-order gets out quickly. Hardik batted well, MS absorbed the pressure well and Jadeja played well," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier, Trent Boult took four wickets as the 'Men in Blue' were dismissed for just 179 after Indian skipper Virat Kohli opted to bat first.&nbsp;

Left-arm seamer Boult, who removed openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan for two apiece to leave India 10 for two, finished with figures of four for 33.

Ravindra Jadeja (54) and Hardik Pandya (30) were the only India batsmen to make it past 19.

India captain Virat Kohli fell for 18 to medium-pacer Colin de Grandhomme when the star batsman was clean bowled by a ball that cut back in off the seam as he aimed towards midwicket.&nbsp;

Kohli's men were in danger of being dismissed for under a hundred when MS Dhoni, the captain of the India side that won the 2011 World Cup, fell to Southee to leave his team on 91 for seven.

But Jadeja's 50 ball innings, featuring six fours and two sixes, helped rally the tail.

India, however, were still bowled out with nearly 10 overs of their innings remaining, with James Neesham taking three for 26.&nbsp;

New Zeland defeated India in the warm-up match for the Cricket World Cup 2019 on Saturday at the Oval by six wickets. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor struck half-centuries each as the team chased down the target in 37.

New Zeland defeated India in the warm-up match for the Cricket World Cup 2019 on Saturday at the Oval by six wickets. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor struck half-centuries each as the team chased down the target in 37.1 overs. "The wicket didn't have enough in the second innings. Very good innings." said the losing captain Virat Kohli after the match. "In a tournament like WC, the lower order has to score at times if the top-order gets out quickly. Hardik batted well, MS absorbed the pressure well and Jadeja played well," he added. Earlier, Trent Boult took four wickets as the 'Men in Blue' were dismissed for just 179 after Indian skipper Virat Kohli opted to bat first. Left-arm seamer Boult, who removed openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan for two apiece to leave India 10 for two, finished with figures of four for 33. Ravindra Jadeja (54) and Hardik Pandya (30) were the only India batsmen to make it past 19. India captain Virat Kohli fell for 18 to medium-pacer Colin de Grandhomme when the star batsman was clean bowled by a ball that cut back in off the seam as he aimed towards midwicket. Kohli's men were in danger of being dismissed for under a hundred when MS Dhoni, the captain of the India side that won the 2011 World Cup, fell to Southee to leave his team on 91 for seven. But Jadeja's 50 ball innings, featuring six fours and two sixes, helped rally the tail. India, however, were still bowled out with nearly 10 overs of their innings remaining, with James Neesham taking three for 26.

World Cup Warm-Up: New Zealand defeat India by 6 wickets

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington.&nbsp;

At stumps on day four at Basin Reserve, where the first two days were washed out, Bangladesh were hurting at 80 for three, still 141 from making New Zealand bat again.&nbsp;

"We didn't play the first two days. If the result goes against us, we will feel bad," Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said.&nbsp;

Taylor, dropped twice on 20, proceeded to punish the Bangladesh attack with a rollicking 200 from 212 balls before New Zealand declared at 432 for six.

He said he was determined to make the most of his two lives but it took a while to realise 200 was on the cards.&nbsp;

"If you'd told me that at the start of the day, especially how the first 10 overs went, I would have said 'you're kidding'," he said.

"I thought 'well my luck's got to change sooner or later let's make it pay'.

"The game situation, being a three-day Test, we had to be a bit more proactive and score quickly and try first of all to get a lead and try to build it up as quick as possible to give our bowlers a bit of a chance."

Bangladesh made a disastrous start to their second innings when Tamim, their leading run-scorer,&nbsp;was out for four.

Mominul Haque followed for 10 and Shadman Islam for 29 leaving Mohammad Mithun on 25 with Soumya Sarkar not out 12.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Aggressive batting from Taylor, Williamson and Nicholls was backed up by the bowlers as Bangladesh slumped to 80/3 in Wellington. They are 141 runs behind, still needing to bat out three sessions to force a draw.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a> Day 4 REPORT 👇 <a href="https://t.co/licgcEG9LN">https://t.co/licgcEG9LN</a> <a href="https://t.co/pWXpVPVMlh">pic.twitter.com/pWXpVPVMlh</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1104990970175807488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
New Zealand have declared on 432/6, with a 216-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls putting them in a dominant position in the second Test. They lead by 221 runs. 
 
Can they bowl Bangladesh out again to seal the series? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a> LIVE 👇 <a href="https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw">https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw</a> <a href="https://t.co/VfKzusYiD3">pic.twitter.com/VfKzusYiD3</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1104953972685762561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

'It is hurting us'

Tamim said letting Taylor off the hook early really hurt.

"It was sad that we dropped catches of someone, twice in the same over, who went to hit a double-hundred," he said.

"They ended up scoring five an over. It is hurting us."

New Zealand piled on 394 runs in 73 overs on Monday before sending Bangladesh back in for 23 overs before stumps.

Taylor clouted Taijul Islam for six over the long-on boundary to bring up his century which took him past his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, to become New Zealand's second most prolific century-maker with 18, two behind Kane Williamson.

He put on 172 with Williamson for the third wicket and then 216 with Henry Nicholls for the fourth.

But after reaching 200 for the third time in his career, and raising his bat in salute, he was dismissed from the next ball he faced, caught behind off Mustafizur.

Williamson, who batted with a painful shoulder injury, made it through to 74 before he was dismissed and taken for a scan which proved inconclusive.&nbsp;He will have a second scan on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Nicholls swept Taijul Islam to the boundary to bring up his fifth century in the second over after tea, but only faced another seven deliveries before Taijul bowled him for 107.

Mahmudullah had varied his attack as best he could but for most of the day Taylor, Nicholls and Williamson had an answer for every move.&nbsp;

Apart from the two dropped catches off Abu Jayed in the third over, the raw Bangladesh seamers, with only 17 Tests between, them were unable to make full use of the green strip.

When they failed to make inroads, spinners Taijul and Mominul Haque were called on to stem the run flow.

Although Taijul removed Williamson and Nicholls, his two wickets cost 99 runs.

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington.

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington. At stumps on day four at Basin Reserve, where the first two days were washed out, Bangladesh were hurting at 80 for three, still 141 from making New Zealand bat again. "We didn't play the first two days. If the result goes against us, we will feel bad," Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said. Taylor, dropped twice on 20, proceeded to punish the Bangladesh attack with a rollicking 200 from 212 balls before New Zealand declared at 432 for six. He said he was determined to make the most of his two lives but it took a while to realise 200 was on the cards. "If you'd told me that at the start of the day, especially how the first 10 overs went, I would have said 'you're kidding'," he said. "I thought 'well my luck's got to change sooner or later let's make it pay'. "The game situation, being a three-day Test, we had to be a bit more proactive and score quickly and try first of all to get a lead and try to build it up as quick as possible to give our bowlers a bit of a chance." Bangladesh made a disastrous start to their second innings when Tamim, their leading run-scorer, was out for four. Mominul Haque followed for 10 and Shadman Islam for 29 leaving Mohammad Mithun on 25 with Soumya Sarkar not out 12. Aggressive batting from Taylor, Williamson and Nicholls was backed up by the bowlers as Bangladesh slumped to 80/3 in Wellington. They are 141 runs behind, still needing to bat out three sessions to force a draw.#NZvBAN Day 4 REPORT 👇 https://t.co/licgcEG9LN pic.twitter.com/pWXpVPVMlh — ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2019 × New Zealand have declared on 432/6, with a 216-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls putting them in a dominant position in the second Test. They lead by 221 runs. Can they bowl Bangladesh out again to seal the series? #NZvBAN LIVE 👇 https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw pic.twitter.com/VfKzusYiD3 — ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2019 × 'It is hurting us' Tamim said letting Taylor off the hook early really hurt. "It was sad that we dropped catches of someone, twice in the same over, who went to hit a double-hundred," he said. "They ended up scoring five an over. It is hurting us." New Zealand piled on 394 runs in 73 overs on Monday before sending Bangladesh back in for 23 overs before stumps. Taylor clouted Taijul Islam for six over the long-on boundary to bring up his century which took him past his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, to become New Zealand's second most prolific century-maker with 18, two behind Kane Williamson. He put on 172 with Williamson for the third wicket and then 216 with Henry Nicholls for the fourth. But after reaching 200 for the third time in his career, and raising his bat in salute, he was dismissed from the next ball he faced, caught behind off Mustafizur. Williamson, who batted with a painful shoulder injury, made it through to 74 before he was dismissed and taken for a scan which proved inconclusive. He will have a second scan on Tuesday morning. Nicholls swept Taijul Islam to the boundary to bring up his fifth century in the second over after tea, but only faced another seven deliveries before Taijul bowled him for 107. Mahmudullah had varied his attack as best he could but for most of the day Taylor, Nicholls and Williamson had an answer for every move. Apart from the two dropped catches off Abu Jayed in the third over, the raw Bangladesh seamers, with only 17 Tests between, them were unable to make full use of the green strip. When they failed to make inroads, spinners Taijul and Mominul Haque were called on to stem the run flow. Although Taijul removed Williamson and Nicholls, his two wickets cost 99 runs.

NZvsBAN, 2nd Test: Ross Taylor's double ton raises New Zealand victory hopes in rain-hit Test

Ross Taylor on Wednesday became New Zealand's highest scorer in one-day internationals as he helped his side secure an 88-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final 50-over game in Dunedin.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old top-scored with 69, his 47th ODI half-century, to move to 8,026 career runs and ahead of former captain Stephen Fleming's 8,007 as New Zealand scored 330 for six at University Oval.

Tim Southee then took three wickets in his first two overs with Sabbir Rahman's maiden one-day century not enough as Bangladesh were dismissed for 242 in 47.2 overs to give New Zealand a 3-0 series sweep.&nbsp;

Southee finished with figures 6-65.

"I knew I was close at the start of the day ... but that was only because I was told I was 50 runs away by a journalist yesterday," Taylor told Sky Sports on Wednesday.

"It was nice to get the reception I got," he added of the standing ovation he received when he reached 51 and the crowd were told of the significance of the score. "Very humbling."

The right-handed batsman, who now has an average of 48.34, however, said he did not expect to hold the record for too long.

"It's nice to set the bar for the next guy," Taylor added. "Probably Guppy (Martin Guptill) and then Kane (Williamson) after that."

Guptill, who scored centuries in each of the first two games, has 6440 runs at 43.51, while captain Williamson has 5554 at 45.90.

Taylor has scored 2892 at 68.85 with eight centuries since the last World Cup and averaged 91.28 last year. &nbsp;

New Zealand have no more official ODIs before the World Cup that starts on May 30, but Taylor said he felt they had learned enough from 3-0 series sweeps against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a 4-1 loss to India to be competitive in England.

Ross Taylor on Wednesday became New Zealand's highest scorer in one-day internationals as he helped his side secure an 88-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final 50-over game in Dunedin.

Ross Taylor on Wednesday became New Zealand's highest scorer in one-day internationals as he helped his side secure an 88-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final 50-over game in Dunedin. The 34-year-old top-scored with 69, his 47th ODI half-century, to move to 8,026 career runs and ahead of former captain Stephen Fleming's 8,007 as New Zealand scored 330 for six at University Oval. Tim Southee then took three wickets in his first two overs with Sabbir Rahman's maiden one-day century not enough as Bangladesh were dismissed for 242 in 47.2 overs to give New Zealand a 3-0 series sweep. Southee finished with figures 6-65. "I knew I was close at the start of the day ... but that was only because I was told I was 50 runs away by a journalist yesterday," Taylor told Sky Sports on Wednesday. "It was nice to get the reception I got," he added of the standing ovation he received when he reached 51 and the crowd were told of the significance of the score. "Very humbling." The right-handed batsman, who now has an average of 48.34, however, said he did not expect to hold the record for too long. "It's nice to set the bar for the next guy," Taylor added. "Probably Guppy (Martin Guptill) and then Kane (Williamson) after that." Guptill, who scored centuries in each of the first two games, has 6440 runs at 43.51, while captain Williamson has 5554 at 45.90. Taylor has scored 2892 at 68.85 with eight centuries since the last World Cup and averaged 91.28 last year. New Zealand have no more official ODIs before the World Cup that starts on May 30, but Taylor said he felt they had learned enough from 3-0 series sweeps against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a 4-1 loss to India to be competitive in England.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh in 3rd ODI to claim series; Taylor becomes Kiwis' highest run scorer in ODIs

Veteran Ross Taylor and rising star Henry Nicholls both smashed centuries as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 115 runs in the third one-day international in Nelson Tuesday to complete a 3-0 series whitewash.

Taylor top-scored with 137, and Nicholls was unbeaten on 124 off just 80 balls, lifting the hosts to 364 for four after they lost the toss and were sent in to bat.

It was a record ODI score at Nelson's Saxton Oval, where the average is just 275, and Sri Lanka never looked like reaching the mammoth total.

They were all out for 249 in the 42nd over, throwing away their final four wickets without scoring a run as the series ended with a whimper.

Thisara Perera, who scored a blistering 140 in the second ODI, was again the tourists' standout performer, racing to 80 in 63 balls.

With the series already decided, Nicholls and Taylor used the dead rubber to send a message to New Zealand selectors ahead of this year's World Cup.

It was Nicholls' maiden ODI ton and the 27-year-old will hope his strong Test form is finally transferring to the limited overs format.

Taylor's 20th ODI century tightened the 34-year-old's grip on the New Zealand record he already holds for one-day centuries.

"I'm getting old and hopefully I've got a few more left in me," he said.

- Tail-end collapse -

In his last 11 ODI innings Taylor has scored three centuries and six half-centuries. He came to the crease with New Zealand struggling at 31 for two but combined with skipper Kane Williamson for a 116-run partnership to steady the innings.

When Williamson departed on 55, Taylor and Nicholls plundered the Sri Lanka attack with an aggressive 154-run stand.

Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga had ousted openers, Martin Guptill and Colin Munro, cheaply but was expensive in the long run, leaking 93 runs from his 10 overs.

Sri Lanka's senior bowlers were all wayward, particularly at the death, as the tourists conceded 57 runs in the final three overs.

Sri Lanka made a bright start to the run chase, scoring freely before Tim Southee trapped Dhananjaya de Silva lbw on 36.

The run rate then slowed to a crawl when the tourists lost three wickets for 10 runs to slump to 117 for four, with Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis departing within the space of two balls.

Worse was to come after Perera fell to a spectacular one-handed catch from Guptill, triggering a tail-end collapse.

Dushmantha Chameera went with Sri Lanka on 249, only for Danushka Gunathilaka, Malinga and Nuwan Pradeep to all depart without furthering the score.

Sri Lanka, who lost a two-Test series against New Zealand 1-0, wrap up their tour with a one-off Twenty20 match against the Black Caps in Auckland on Friday.&nbsp;

Veteran Ross Taylor and rising star Henry Nicholls both smashed centuries as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 115 runs in the third one-day international in Nelson Tuesday to complete a 3-0 series whitewash.

Veteran Ross Taylor and rising star Henry Nicholls both smashed centuries as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 115 runs in the third one-day international in Nelson Tuesday to complete a 3-0 series whitewash. Taylor top-scored with 137, and Nicholls was unbeaten on 124 off just 80 balls, lifting the hosts to 364 for four after they lost the toss and were sent in to bat. It was a record ODI score at Nelson's Saxton Oval, where the average is just 275, and Sri Lanka never looked like reaching the mammoth total. They were all out for 249 in the 42nd over, throwing away their final four wickets without scoring a run as the series ended with a whimper. Thisara Perera, who scored a blistering 140 in the second ODI, was again the tourists' standout performer, racing to 80 in 63 balls. With the series already decided, Nicholls and Taylor used the dead rubber to send a message to New Zealand selectors ahead of this year's World Cup. It was Nicholls' maiden ODI ton and the 27-year-old will hope his strong Test form is finally transferring to the limited overs format. Taylor's 20th ODI century tightened the 34-year-old's grip on the New Zealand record he already holds for one-day centuries. "I'm getting old and hopefully I've got a few more left in me," he said. - Tail-end collapse - In his last 11 ODI innings Taylor has scored three centuries and six half-centuries. He came to the crease with New Zealand struggling at 31 for two but combined with skipper Kane Williamson for a 116-run partnership to steady the innings. When Williamson departed on 55, Taylor and Nicholls plundered the Sri Lanka attack with an aggressive 154-run stand. Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga had ousted openers, Martin Guptill and Colin Munro, cheaply but was expensive in the long run, leaking 93 runs from his 10 overs. Sri Lanka's senior bowlers were all wayward, particularly at the death, as the tourists conceded 57 runs in the final three overs. Sri Lanka made a bright start to the run chase, scoring freely before Tim Southee trapped Dhananjaya de Silva lbw on 36. The run rate then slowed to a crawl when the tourists lost three wickets for 10 runs to slump to 117 for four, with Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis departing within the space of two balls. Worse was to come after Perera fell to a spectacular one-handed catch from Guptill, triggering a tail-end collapse. Dushmantha Chameera went with Sri Lanka on 249, only for Danushka Gunathilaka, Malinga and Nuwan Pradeep to all depart without furthering the score. Sri Lanka, who lost a two-Test series against New Zealand 1-0, wrap up their tour with a one-off Twenty20 match against the Black Caps in Auckland on Friday.

Tons for Taylor, Nicholls as Black Caps sweep Sri Lanka ODI series

The first Test match of a two-match series between England and New Zealand will start from March 22 at Eden Park, Auckland.

Ross Taylor, who had been battling a groin injury and a stomach bug is back in the playing squad as New Zealand received a boost on the eve of the first Test with confirmation that Taylor is fit to play.

Recently, Kane Williamson has confirmed that Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday.

New Zealand&nbsp;playing XI:

Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kane Williamson has confirmed Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. Our XI - Latham, Raval, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Southee, Wagner, Boult. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/N95xkXrai6">pic.twitter.com/N95xkXrai6</a>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/976271712995098624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Taylor, who has a Test average of 48.04, was also there in the squad of the second practice match.

Skipper Williamson reportedly said Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem.

He stated, &quot;He&#39;s good to go so that&#39;s great news for us.&quot;

&quot;Roscoe has played beautifully every time he&#39;s walked out to the crease, the calmness at the crease, the confidence.

&quot;It&#39;s reflected in how much success he&#39;s had this year. It&#39;s important for us as a team that he&#39;s there.&quot;

He mentioned about the new changes in the squad as Todd Astle would replace Mitchell Santner as the spinner in the side and BJ Watling would return as wicketkeeper.

The return of Ross Taylor in the playing XI means that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-put-martin-guptill-on-standby-for-england-test-36453">Martin Guptill</a>, who was included in&nbsp;the absence of Taylor will be snubbed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Things looking a little different at <a href="https://twitter.com/edenparknz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edenparknz</a> for today&rsquo;s training. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FindYourNight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FindYourNight</a> <a href="https://t.co/6bAM8K1YWE">pic.twitter.com/6bAM8K1YWE</a>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/975987234150100992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Kane Williamson said Ross Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem

The first Test match of a two-match series between England and New Zealand will start from March 22 at Eden Park, Auckland. Ross Taylor, who had been battling a groin injury and a stomach bug is back in the playing squad as New Zealand received a boost on the eve of the first Test with confirmation that Taylor is fit to play. Recently, Kane Williamson has confirmed that Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. New Zealand playing XI: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult. Kane Williamson has confirmed Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. Our XI - Latham, Raval, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Southee, Wagner, Boult. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/N95xkXrai6 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 21, 2018 × Taylor, who has a Test average of 48.04, was also there in the squad of the second practice match. Skipper Williamson reportedly said Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem. He stated, "He's good to go so that's great news for us." "Roscoe has played beautifully every time he's walked out to the crease, the calmness at the crease, the confidence. "It's reflected in how much success he's had this year. It's important for us as a team that he's there." He mentioned about the new changes in the squad as Todd Astle would replace Mitchell Santner as the spinner in the side and BJ Watling would return as wicketkeeper. The return of Ross Taylor in the playing XI means that Martin Guptill, who was included in the absence of Taylor will be snubbed. Things looking a little different at @edenparknz for today’s training. #NZvENG #FindYourNight pic.twitter.com/6bAM8K1YWE — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 20, 2018 ×

Ross Taylor fit to play in first Test against England: Kane Williamson

New Zealand comfortably defeated Pakistan by massive 183 runs in the third one-day international in Dunedin on Saturday.

After given a target of 258 runs, Kiwis ended the Pakistani inning at mere 74 runs, to achieve an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

The team was reduced to 18 for 6 in the 15th over at one stage and went on to survive online 28 overs at end of the game.

Trent Boult rocked Pakistan with three wickets in five balls, helping his team to get rid of the top order batsmen. 
&nbsp; 
Later, he went on to take two more wickets.&nbsp;

His five-wicket haul once again showed how good a bowler he is when he gets that new ball moving.&nbsp;

Pakistan struggled to get going and runs dried up so much so that they were able to score just nine runs in the first ten overs for the loss of three wickets.&nbsp;

There were a total of 67 dot ball in the first 13 overs as wickets continued to tumble.&nbsp;

For the black caps, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor struck half-centuries but New Zealand lost seven wickets in their last seven overs to lose momentum towards the end after being 209 for 3 at one stage.

The victory was New Zealand&#39;s 10th in succession across all formats. That equals the longest winning sequence in their history.

After given a target of 258 runs, Kiwis ended the Pakistani inning at mere 74 runs

New Zealand comfortably defeated Pakistan by massive 183 runs in the third one-day international in Dunedin on Saturday. After given a target of 258 runs, Kiwis ended the Pakistani inning at mere 74 runs, to achieve an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The team was reduced to 18 for 6 in the 15th over at one stage and went on to survive online 28 overs at end of the game. Trent Boult rocked Pakistan with three wickets in five balls, helping his team to get rid of the top order batsmen. Later, he went on to take two more wickets. His five-wicket haul once again showed how good a bowler he is when he gets that new ball moving. Pakistan struggled to get going and runs dried up so much so that they were able to score just nine runs in the first ten overs for the loss of three wickets. There were a total of 67 dot ball in the first 13 overs as wickets continued to tumble. For the black caps, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor struck half-centuries but New Zealand lost seven wickets in their last seven overs to lose momentum towards the end after being 209 for 3 at one stage. The victory was New Zealand's 10th in succession across all formats. That equals the longest winning sequence in their history.

Trent Boult's five-wicket haul steals 3rd ODI, series from Pakistan

ross-taylor

Ross Taylor, News on Ross Taylor, stories on Ross Taylor, articles on Ross Taylor, Ross Taylor stories at Wion, Ross Taylor news, Ross Taylor latest news

ross taylor

Cricket- 'Age is just a number': Ross Taylor discusses his retirement plans

At the start of my career, was happy to play just one or two games: Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor wins Kiwi cricket's top gong, eyes World Cup exit in India

India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI first innings: Kiwis survive scare after Ross-Kyle's 76 runs stand

New Zealand vs India, 2nd ODI: New Zealand seal the series after beating India by 22 runs

New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI: Kiwis outshine Men in Blue, win by 6 wickets

Cricket: New Zealand spearhead Boult a doubt for first Test

Galle Test: Ross Taylor rescues New Zealand after Dananjaya's five-wicket haul

World Cup final: Players to watch out for in England vs New Zealand clash

Ross Taylor slams skipper Kane Williamson's critics ahead of New Zealand vs England clash

World Cup: Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi tears through New Zealand top order

New Zealand to reap left-right benefit against India: Ross Taylor

Players to watch out for in India vs New Zealand clash at World Cup

Players to watch out for in India vs New Zealand clash at World Cup

World Cup: Ice-cold Mitchell Santner showcases finishing ability, takes New Zealand past Bangladesh

World Cup Warm-Up: New Zealand defeat India by 6 wickets

NZvsBAN, 2nd Test: Ross Taylor's double ton raises New Zealand victory hopes in rain-hit Test

New Zealand beat Bangladesh in 3rd ODI to claim series; Taylor becomes Kiwis' highest run scorer in ODIs

Tons for Taylor, Nicholls as Black Caps sweep Sri Lanka ODI series

Ross Taylor fit to play in first Test against England: Kane Williamson

Trent Boult's five-wicket haul steals 3rd ODI, series from Pakistan