Ross Taylor ruled out of 1st ODI against Bangladesh

37 year old veteran Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the first ODI between New Zealand and Bangladesh due to a tear in his hamstring. Mark Chapman has been called in as cover for Taylor.

Taylor picked up the injury while fielding during the Plunket Shield game between Central Stags and Wellington Firebirds on Sunday. He will join the New Zealand squad in Dunedin on March 17 – he will undergo treatment and his progress shall be monitored. Ross picked up what they are calling as a “”a small tear in his left hamstring”.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said he’s hopeful that Taylor will recover from the injury and be fit for the last two games of the series.

“It’s a shame for Ross to have this happen on the eve of a series,” Stead said. “It’s a small tear and we’re hopeful after some rest and rehabilitation we can get him fit for the second game in Christchurch.

“It’s an exciting time for Mark who’s come in and performed well recently for the T20 side, so we have full confidence he can do the job if called upon.”

The first ODI will be played at the Univeresity Oval in Dunedin on March 20 while the second game will be held at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 23. The third and final ODI is scheduled on March 26 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. This will be New Zealand’s first series in the World Cup Super League.

Ross Taylor is one of the most prolific No.4 batsmen in the world. He has scored more runs than any other batsman in that batting position – 7657 runs at an average of 52.44 with 19 centuries and 46 half centuries. He has a total of 8574 ODI runs 2ith 21 centuries and 51 half centuries to his name. Here’s wishing Ross a speedy recovery!