2nd Test: ‘Best mindset’ enables Taylor to score ton

Batsman revives NZ batting as hosts reach 307 for six against West Indies.

WELLINGTON: New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor declared himself to be in his ‘best mindset’ ever following another century against the West Indies Wednesday, one year after being dumped as captain.

Taylor turned around a woeful start by New Zealand in the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington as he posted 129 – following an unbeaten 217 in the first Test last week.

With help from the West Indies bowlers who failed to cash in on the green wicket after reducing New Zealand to 24 for two, Taylor provided the backbone to an innings that recovered to 307 for six at stumps.

He was dismissed to a standing ovation shortly before stumps after completing his 10th Test century and moving further up the all-time New Zealand batting list.

It was a confident performance far removed from the despondent Taylor of a year ago when his morale was hit hard after being dumped as New Zealand captain, sending him into a self-imposed exile for four months.

“I’m in the best mindset I’ve ever been in,” said Taylor.

He was dropped in the slips by Kirk Edwards before getting off the mark, but went on to occupy the crease for more than five hours.

“A bit of luck early on in the innings is always nice, and I thought it was there to hit,” he added. “After 20-30 balls I got to where I wanted to be (mentally).”

Taylor said a score of 307 on a bowler’s wicket had set New Zealand up.

“If we can reach 380-400 it will put the West Indies under some pressure.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2013.

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