“The Depth Is Definitely the Best”: Ross Taylor on New Zealand’s Squad

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has praised New Zealand’s current squad depth, calling it “the best” that he has seen since his debut. New Zealand are currently playing Tests against England where they have won the first Test convincingly.

However, they got the big blow before the second Test as their pace-spearhead Trent Boult and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme got injured and have been ruled out of the second Test. There are Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry who can be the possible replacements.

“I think when I first started out and we had a guy on debut, we hoped the player would do well and now we expect the player to do well. I think that’s a good place to be,” Ross Taylor said ahead of the second Test. “It’s probably been a strength of this side that the players have come in have succeeded straight away and put pressure on the incumbents. The depth is definitely the best it’s ever been in my career I think.”

Daryl Mitchell is probably be making his Test debut due to the injury sustained by Colin de Grandhomme, and he has recently scored 170 for Northern District in the Plunkett Shield.

“Colin de Grandhomme leaves some big shoes to fill but Daryl has some experience of international cricket at T20 level,” Taylor continued. “He had a very good campaign around the first-class scene, too, so I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes.”

However, Taylor believes whoever will play, do well – be it, Lockie Ferguson or Matt Henry.

“Even among the fast bowlers, Whoever plays – Henry or Ferguson – will do very well. They are slightly different bowlers. Lockie has that extra pace, but Matt has been outstanding for us with the new ball. They’ve both got their strengths. They have big shoes to fill, too, but both can do a great job and perform a similar role. Whoever we go with, we’ll have a lot of confidence in,” Ross Taylor concluded.

The second Test will begin on Friday, November 29.