Ross Taylor becomes the New Zealand captain

A panel, empowered by the NZ cricket board, consisting of three members namely the national coach John Wright, the director of cricket John Buchanan and selection manager Mark Greatbatch chose Ross Taylor as the new skipper of the New Zealand national cricket team. After taking the team to the semi final at the world cup, Daniel Vettori had resigned from the captaincy. Today, after more than two months of Vettori’s resignation, the NZ board appointed a captain officially.

Ross Taylor will like the timing of the appointment as he would be under less pressure as New Zealand has no major cricket to play till the December when it is scheduled to take on Australia in a 2 test match series. That gives the new captain a good amount of time to discuss with the new coach John Wright and plan to build a strong side. This is an experiment involving a new setup of experienced and successful coach like Wright and a young leader like Taylor.

Acting selection manager Mark Greatbatch of the NZC later explained why Taylor was preferred over Brendon McCullum. According to Greatbatch,

Taylor had won out in part due to his success in as captain, having led the side to six victories from 14 ODIs and Twenty20s, compared to McCullum’s two wins from nine games in charge. Taylor has also batted well while at the helm, averaging 46.45 across both formats, while McCullum’s mark as captain is 26.22.

Ross Taylor was widely expected to be appointed as the enw captain as he was the vice captain under Daniel Vettori. It will be tough for Taylor, 27, to replace Vettori as a captain. Vettori who led NZ by example was a top performer and astute tactician. Taylor will have to give his 100% to live up to the expectations and scrutiny of the fans. Taylor has expressed his readiness for the job. ”I’ve learnt a great deal about leadership having played under Dan Vettori and feel ready to take on what is one of the highest honours in New Zealand sport,” Taylor said.

I believe we have the quality in the dressing room to be a force inworld cricket and I’m keen to play the best cricket possible to help take the team forward. I’m excited about the future: Ross Taylor after being appointed as the captain

Taylor has played 30 Tests, with an average of 41.12, and 107 ODIs averaging almost 37. He also captained the New Zealand Under-19 side in youth internationals.

Can Taylor form a stronger New Zealand team? Share your views in the comments section.