Ross Taylor quashes retirement rumours, says age is just a number

The 37-year-old cricketer wants to contribute as much as he can for New Zealand as the batsman thinks he still has a lot to offer to Kiwis.

Southampton:New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is in no mood to retire from cricket as he feels "age is just a number" and he is happy playing the game for his country.

The 37-year-old cricketer wants to contribute as much as he can for New Zealand as the batsman thinks he still has a lot to offer to Kiwis.

"I just love playing cricket and playing for my country. I feel like age is just a number and as long as you are still enjoying it and feel like you're good enough and can contribute to the team on and off the field," Taylor said during a virtual press conference.

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"I guess once you start getting into your thirties you start thinking about it. I always had the number 35 in mind, I do not know why, I think probably because of the 2019 World Cup," he further said.

"But I did not think just because it was a World Cup that it was time to retire. I have not got a number in mind. Everyone I talk to says you are a long time retired and you know when the right time is."

"I am sure those things will pop up but when I do pull stumps I zm sure it will feel right and it will be the right time for me," Taylor added.

England and New Zealand are gearing up to lock horns in a Test series, beginning June 2. The Kiwis will play two Tests against England before they take on India in the WTC final on June 18.

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Taylor feels the two Tests against England will give the Kiwis a slight advantage going into the WTC final.

"Playing these two Test matches 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]," said Taylor.

"I guess we cannot ask for a better schedule leading into the WTC final. At this time of the year bowlers will be relishing the conditions," he added.