Still enjoying my game: Ross Taylor is not thinking about leaving after winning the WTC final with New Zealand

New Zealand’s star batsman Ross Taylor has said he has no plans to retire in the near future, as he has rebuffed critics who focus on his age. The 37-year-old said that he still enjoys his game and wants to continue playing the sport that he still loves.

Ross Taylor has not made a test century since November 2019 but played a key role in New Zealand’s WTC win against India and the preceding Test series victory over England. Taylor has played 108 Tests and over 300 limited-overs matches in a glittering career.

Taylor, who is currently in quarantine in New Zealand, said he is looking forward to reuniting with his family and friends after having returned from a successful England tour.

“I’m still loving the game — still want to learn and get better, so that’s a good sign. At this stage I just want to keep on playing cricket, whatever level that is, for as long as I can,” Taylor told reporters on Wednesday.

“A lot of players, past players, tell me you’re a long time retired, and a lot of them told me they felt like they retired too early.”

I have had to deal with criticism my whole career: Taylor
Taylor’s technique was under the scanner after he struggled to get going in the first Test against England where he managed just 14 and 33. He returned to form with a first innings 80 in the second Test at Birmingham to help New Zealand beat England 1-0 in the series.

“When you come to my age, there’s always going to be things said about you, about your age and whatnot,” said Taylor.

“It’s been the same thing that I’ve had to deal with my whole career — but I guess as you get older that’s probably an easier thing to attack. But it is what it is, I still love playing the game of cricket, I still feel like I’ve got something to give to this game, both on and off the field.”