Ross Taylor goes into the first Test against Bangladesh on Thursday on the brink of equalling his late mentor Martin Crowe's record for New Zealand centuries. Less than a year after Crowe died of lymphoma aged 53, Taylor's bid, in his return following eye surgery in late November, has become a focal point for New Zealand cricket fans. "Even people in the supermarket come up and mention it," Taylor said, ahead of the two-Test series opener at Wellington's Basin Reserve.
Taylor, 32, has 16 centuries to his name while Crowe, who was a key adviser and close friend, holds the New Zealand record with 17. New Zealand won their first five Test series against Bangladesh but drew their two Tests on tour in 2013, when Taylor posted his highest score yet against the team with an unbeaten 54 in the first game.