The 33-year-old middle-order batsman last played a T20 international in March 2016.
Ross Taylor (L) (Photo: AFP)
Ross Taylor, who shone with an impressive 95-run knock in New Zealand’s six-wicket win in the first ODI, is set to enthral the cricket enthusiasts in the shorter format when India host the Blackcaps for the first T20I, to be held at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi on Wednesday.
This would be Taylor’s return to the T20I side after a leap of 1.5 years.
The 33-year-old middle-order batsman last played a T20 international in March 2016. It was the semi-final clash at the 2016 WorldT20, which New Zealand lost to England. Taylor lost his wicket cheaply for six runs in the seven-wicket defeat.
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The experienced batsman will replace the injured leg-spinner Todd Astle, who was ruled out of the India tour due to a groin strain in a warm-up match at the Brabourne stadium.
New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson seemed content with Taylor’s inclusion as he said: “Ross [Taylor] is in good form as well. He gives us another option through the middle order. It’s a real shame for Todd, but it will be nice to have Ross’ experience in the group.”
In the recently-concluded ODI series against India, Taylor made 155 runs beside a hundred-plus knock in a warm-up game against Board President’s XI.
Kane Williamson (c), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips (wk)
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