Ross Taylor knows Seddon Park better than most.
Taylor plays the 91st Test of his distinguished international cricket career over the next few days at the ground, and despite being born in the Hutt Valley and played most of his cricket for Central Districts, the BLACKCAPS premier batsman has been based in Hamilton for several years.
“I live here, and it’s nice to sleep in your own bed,” says Taylor. “Touring can be quite tough, and so it’s nice to wake up and do some things with normality – give the kids some breakfast, and have a little bit more of a relaxing atmosphere.
“It’s a little nicer than the hotel room.”
Taylor’s record on Seddon Park is impressive: four of his 17 Test match centuries have been chalked up at the venue.
“KJ (Turf Manager Karl Johnson) always produces a good wicket, and there’s short boundaries too – I this week I don’t think it should be any different.”
Taylor says the region’s cricket fans always turn up in numbers for matches at Seddon Park.
“It’s really good – we’re always well supported here, whether it’s T20, one-day cricket or Test matches.
“With the bank it’s a nice atmosphere – one of the biggest problems with playing in Hamilton is getting more tickets for family and friends!”
The BLACKCAPS recently moved into second position on the ICC’s official Test rankings, which Taylor describes as “pretty special”.
“It’s great to get that acknowledgement, but we need to try and maintain that. We have a couple of Test specialists coming in who will give us a lift and hopefully beat Bangladesh over the series.”
The Test vs Bangladesh (28 February to 4 March) is local cricket fans’ last chance to see the Blackcaps play in Hamilton this summer.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketek, and play starts each day at 11am (assuming there are no weather issues which delay the start of play).
*picture: Photosport