Ross Taylor to feature for New Zealand XI against Netherlands before his farewell series

Veteran cricketer Ross Taylor will turn up for a developmental New Zealand XI in a series of white-ball games against the Netherlands ahead of his farewell international series against the Dutch later this month.

Taylor, who recently retired from Test cricket, was earlier scheduled to represent the Central Stags in a First-Class game. But those plans were offset after he was identified as a close contact of a Covid-19 patient.

The 38-year old will now feature for the New Zealand XI in 50-over fixtures, which are scheduled to occur at McClean Park in Napier from next week.

"It'd be nice to have got in there and played for the Staggies. But to play some white-ball cricket with higher intensity, I think it’s ideal preparation," said Taylor via a video call from his home as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"It's great to see the Netherlands side up close, and obviously, there's a few Kiwi connections to them as well." the Kiwi batter added.

Back in January, Taylor had a fairytale finish to his Test career as the 112-game veteran claimed a wicket on what turned out to be his last ball in the format as the home side wrapped up a series-levelling win against Bangladesh.

Taylor will finish his international career later this month when New Zealand take on the Dutch in a 3-match ODI series.

And, for Taylor and his family, which is set to be in attendance at the time, it is set to be a hugely emotional moment.

"I'm not expecting to have a bowl. I suppose it's emotional when you've done something for so long ... Just playing on the home ground in front of family and friends will have its emotional attachments," said Taylor.

"But I'm excited about the next chapter and excited to play my last series. It's been a while since we played one," he added.

Taylor will go down in history as one of New Zealand's greatest in both Tests and especially in the 50-over format.

The heartbeat of their middle-order for a better part of the last 15 years, Taylor featured in 233 ODIs, scoring 7684 runs at an average of 48.18 with 72 fifty-plus scores, including 21 tons.

New Zealand will lock horns with the Netherlands in a one-off T20I followed by three 50-over games.

While the standalone T20I will take place in Napier on March 25, the ODI series will get underway at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from March 29.