Taylor to play for Middlesex

www.icc-cricket.com

LONDON: New Zealand stalwart Ross Taylor will tune-up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 in England and Wales with a stint at Middlesex, the county has announced.

Taylor was released by New Zealand to play the One-Day Cup with Middlesex ahead of the World Cup. He is set to make his debut against Surrey at The Oval on April 25, and is expected to play at least five matches in the tournament.

Should Middlesex progress to the latter stages, Taylor will also be available for selection for the playoff and the semi-final on May 10 and 12. However, he will not be available for the final at Lord’s on May 25, with New Zealand slated to play a warm-up match against India on the same day.

Taylor has been in sublime form in One-Day Internationals — he has already scored 593 runs in 11 matches this year at a staggering average of 74.12. Since the last World Cup, in fact, Taylor has averaged a brilliant 68.86.

Bryan Stronach, the New Zealand GM of High Performance, said the stint with Middlesex was the best possible preparation for their star player. “It’s a good opportunity for Ross, and both Gary Stead (coach) and I agree playing competitive cricket in English conditions will only enhance his World Cup preparation,” he said.

“Ross is a very experienced player who knows what works best for him and in turn will be best for the Blackcaps.”

At Middlesex, Taylor will plug the hole left by England captain Eoin Morgan, who will be on international duty. Ireland’s Paul Stirling will also be absent in the second half of the tournament.