Ross Taylor has dismissed rumours that his international cricketing career is coming to an end, saying he still has plenty to give to the game and country he loves.
The 37-year-old Black Caps veteran is preparing for the upcoming two-Test series against England starting in just over a week and the World Test Championship final against India later next month.
While questions over his future have raged since the end of the 2019 World Cup, Taylor insisted today he did not feel like the finish line was in his sights.
"I feel like age is just a number and as long as you’re still enjoying it and feel like you’re good enough and can contribute to the team on and off the field," Taylor said.
"I guess once you start getting into your thirties you start thinking about it. I always had the number 35 in mind, I don’t know why, I think probably because of the 2019 World Cup.
"But I didn’t think just because it was a World Cup that it was time to retire. I haven’t got a number in mind. Everyone I talk to says you’re a long time retired and you know when the right time is.
"I’m sure those things will pop up but when I do pull stumps I’m sure it’ll feel right and it’ll be the right time for me."
Taylor is New Zealand's top Test and ODI runscorer in history with 7379 runs from his 105 Tests and 8581 runs from 233 ODIs.
He is also the third most capped Test cricketer for New Zealand, his 105 appearances ranking behind just Stephen Fleming and Daniel Vettori.
While the likes of Fleming, Martin Crowe and Brendon McCullum all hung up their boots before turning 35, Taylor said he was hoping to change that tradition in New Zealand cricket.
"It’s nice for me to break the mold of New Zealanders who traditionally retire young and hopefully in the years to come the likes of Kane [Williamson] and co are still going at 37 as long as they still enjoy it and aren’t just playing for the sake of it.
"I think it’s better for the game and better for the youngsters coming through that they can learn off somebody."
New Zealand have been labelled favourites for the World Test Championship final, however, Taylor said the early finish to the Indian Premier League would help India arrive better prepared for the game in Southampton next month.
"We know they'll be a lot more conditioned, their bowlers will get their loads up... playing these two Test matches [against England] gives us a slight advantage but this Indian team have been number one in the world for a long time and had a lot of success over here [in England]."
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