Ross Taylor, the 41-year-old New Zealand great who had retired from international cricket in 2022, has made a stunning comeback to the sport. He will turn out for Samoa in the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Oman.
Taylor, the most decorated New Zealand cricketer in history, played 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20Is in his glorious career. He is the most international appearance player for the Black Caps and stands second only to Kane Williamson for both runs and centuries in Tests for New Zealand.
Ross Taylor Announces Return
On Thursday, Taylor went to social media to affirm his decision as an emotional one related to his heritage.
Retiring from retirement. It’s official – I am humbled to say that I will be wearing the blue and playing for Samoa in cricket. This means more than a return to the sport I adore — it is an immense privilege to play for my heritage, culture, villages, and family,” Taylor posted on Instagram.
He added: “I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the game, join the squad, and share my experience on and off the field. Time to get back out there – #685 to the world! CHEEEHOOO.”
Representing Samoa
Taylor’s decision has deep personal roots. His mother, Lote, was born in Samoa, and he will play under his given names and chiefly title, Leaupepe Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote Taylor.
He will represent the Samoan team after being convinced by his past New Zealand team-mate Tarun Nethula, who now plays a key role with Samoa cricket.
“It’s a pretty strong thing when guys are calling you out of retirement and asking you to assist them,” Taylor said to Stuff. “I’m not a spring chicken but I’m sure I’m still fit enough to run around the boundary.”
Taylor’s Glittering Records
Ross Taylor’s career abroad is marked in New Zealand cricket history. He made 7,683 runs in Tests, 8,607 in ODIs, and 1,909 in T20Is, and he is the nation’s top run-scorer overall until Kane Williamson surpassed him.
He also shared the record for most NZ international matches (450+) with his longevity and consistency. His 19 Test centuries rank him second behind Williamson, and his ODI tally stands at 21 centuries, the highest by any Kiwi.
Taylor also featured in some of New Zealand’s most memorable cricketing moments, including their path to the 2019 ODI World Cup final. His composed demeanor in tight games made him one of the most dependable batters of his generation.
Samoa’s Qualification Push
Samoa will play in the Oman qualifying tournament, where they face Papua New Guinea in a showdown for a berth at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Taylor’s signing-up is not just an added confidence boost in terms of experience but also a symbolic gesture underlining Pacific roots embracing international cricket.
With this comeback, Ross Taylor has made sure that his cricket career, already a legend in New Zealand, now has another chapter associated with his Samoan heritage.
