Kane Williamson scored a brilliant fifty in the first innings and added 30 runs in the second innings of the first Test match against Sri Lanka to become New Zealand's all-time leading run-getter in international cricket on Sunday.

After announcing his retirement from Tests and ODIs, the veteran Australian opener returned to T20Is by smashing a sensational fifty against West Indies in the first T20 match and achieved a major record at Bellerive Oval at Hobart.

The claims that Taylor has made disappointed many people in the nation and they have termed it as an unfortunate experience he had to go through.

The 38-year-old batsman played his last test against South Africa this year but decided to make this match on his home ground at Seddon Park his final bow.  

Paul Wiseman will lead the coaching staff and will be supported by Auckland pace bowling coach Azhar Abbas and former BLACKCAPS wicket-keeper BJ Watling.

A talisman of New Zealand cricket, Taylor ended his Test career by dismissing Ebadot Hossain to help the hosts beat Bangladesh by an innings and 117 runs to level the series 1-1.

Taylor won’t play in the Black Caps test series against South Africa in February but will play one-day international series against Australia in Australia in February and against the Netherlands at home in late March and early April.

Ross Taylor, who was part of the WTC-winning New Zealand side last week, said that he 'still loves' playing for the country.

Taylor, who began his Test career in 2007, has quietly rolled up 14 years of Test cricket, playing 108 Tests and racking up 7,564 runs.

The right-handed batsman had earlier said he would have retired had New Zealand lifted the 50-over World Cup in 2019. They lost to England in the final.

The right-handed batsman had earlier said he would have retired had New Zealand lifted the 50-over World Cup in 2019. They lost to England in the final.

Taylor said India have a "balanced side and their depth has been amazing."

New Zealand made as many as six changes for the ongoing second Test, some forced and some rotated ahead of the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton from June 18.

Taylor reckons New Zealand will still have slight advantage over India as they are are scheduled to play two Tests against England in the run up to the WTC final.

New Zealand begin their campaign at Lord's when they take on England in the first Test from June 2. The Black Caps will play the Virat Kohli-led India in the WTC final at Southampton from June 18.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said he was hopeful Taylor would be available for the second game on Tuesday at Hagley Oval.

Kane Williamson will return from his paternity leave to lead the side in the second and third matches.

Taylor, 36, though admitted that it would be a challenge to go on for another three years and sign off at the mega-event.

The ICC had last week postponed this year's T20 World due to the COVID-19 pandemic and handed Australia the rights to host the 2022 edition.

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson opened up on the decision to name Brendon McCullum the captain of the side in 2012.