Cricket: English media full of praise for Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor after winning the game for NZ with 181 not out Photosport

English media have been fulsome in their praise of Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor after his match-winning knock in yesterday's ODI against England in Dunedin.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Scyld Berry said if you have to be beaten by such a tour de force, it could not be administered by a more decent opponent.

''Ross Taylor is one of the finest fellows in contemporary international cricket - never one to stoop to the grubby behaviour which has marred the South Africa v Australia series.''

Taylor had maintained his decency and dignity in face of perhaps the biggest controversy to affect New Zealand cricket - his captaincy of the side.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Paul Newman said the loss was a reminder that all of England's white-ball progress will count for nothing at the World Cup if they do not get it right on the night.

''This fourth one-day international was simply thrown away by England and must act as a warning to Eoin Morgan that his side remain prone to a good old-fashioned collapse that cannot be repeated when the stakes are higher next year.

Listen to "Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor - I hope to play in final ODI" on Spreaker.

''Do this again in a World Cup knockout match in 2019 and, following on from the waste of a golden chance to win last year's Champions Trophy, it will be as if England's investment in their white-ball revolution had been a complete waste.''

The Guardian said the manner of the defeat would hurt England.

''Quite how England did not seal the series in Dunedin will sting ahead of the series decider in Christchurch on Saturday. They can take solace in the fact that they were bested by an innings of a lifetime.

''Rarely will you see a more valiant, match-winning knock than the one played by Ross Taylor. Of the boxes ticked – a century made in a winning chase, seeing his side over the line, on one leg – the crucial point is a five-wicket victory that squares the series 2-2, with one match to play.

''If they still make DVDs, they should get to commissioning this series. Not many have contained as much drama and intrigue.''