New Zealand's highest run scorer in international cricket will retire from the Black Caps at the end of the summer.
Ross Taylor announces his retirement Photo: PhotoSport / Jeremy Ward
Ross Taylor has made the announcement just a couple of days out from the Black Caps test series against Bangladesh, which starts in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.
The two-match series will be his last in Test cricket before bowing out in the one-day matches against Australia and Netherlands later this summer.
The 37-year-old has been a mainstay in the New Zealand batting order since making his debut in 2006 and has amassed numerous records.
He has scored the most runs for New Zealand in tests (7584); the most runs for New Zealand in ODIs (8581); and the most runs over all formats (18,074).
He has the most ODI centuries for New Zealand (21) and the most centuries for New Zealand in international cricket (40).
He's also made the most appearances for New Zealand in international cricket (445) and is one of just four players to play 100 tests for the Black Caps - the others being Daniel Vettori, Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum.
Taylor acknowledged it was not an easy decision to make, but he felt the time was right.
Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson celebrate victory in the test championship Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"It's been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have," he said.
"It's been such a privilege to play with and against some of the greats of the game and to have created so many memories and friendships along the way.
"But all good things must come to an end and the timing feels right for me. I want to thank my family, friends and all those who have helped me get to this point."
Coach Gary Stead said Taylor would undoubtedly bow out as one of New Zealand's greats.
"Ross has always been a hugely respected member of the side and we're thankful for his contributions ...over an incredible career.
"His skills and temperament as a batsman have been world-class and his ability to perform at such a high level for so long speaks volumes of his longevity and professionalism.
"His experience has held the side together on countless occasions and his catching record speaks for itself. There's no doubt we're going to miss him when he's gone.
"Seeing him hit the winning runs in Southampton to help win our first ICC World title is a moment I will never forget and I'm sure it's the same for many of the fans," said Stead.
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson, who is unavailable for the Bangladesh series while he rehabilitates an elbow injury, said Taylor had given his all to the New Zealand team over the years.
"Ross has been at the core of the side for so long and can be extremely proud of having brought the game in this country to a better place.
"He's a world class player, our best with the bat over such a long period of time and personally it's been a pleasure to be involved in so many partnerships with him across the formats.
"We've shared some pretty cool moments together - most recently the World Test Championship Final which was obviously really special," said Williamson.
"As a senior player and a leader in the group he's been a fantastic support person for me, especially out there in the field being able to tap into his experience."
Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2021 / www.photosport.nz
"It's a really exciting time for Ross when he can reflect on so many amazing moments throughout his career and I know all the guys are also looking forward to sharing the occasions with him as he is such a special player to this team."
NZC chief executive David White said everyone knew this day would, eventually, arrive - but no-one wanted it to.
"It's hard to imagine the side without him," he said.
Taylor said he would remain available for Central Districts until the end of the season before making a decision on whether to continue playing domestic cricket.
Ross Taylor Records
* Most runs for NZ in Tests (7584)
* Most runs for NZ in ODIs (8581)
* Most runs for NZ over all formats (18,074)
* Most ODI 100s for NZ (21)
* Most 100s for NZ in international cricket (40)
* Most appearances for NZ in international cricket (445)
* One of only four New Zealanders to play 100 tests (Vettori 112, Fleming 111, Taylor 110, McCullum 101)
* First player from any country to make 100 international appearances in each of the three formats
* Most catches for NZ by a fielder in international cricket (346)
* Highest Test score in Australia by a visiting player (290 at Perth 2015). (There's been 432 tests played in Australia)