Cricket: Taylor still hopeful of playing in IPL

Ross Taylor underwent surgery yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand cricket captain Ross Taylor hasn't ruled out playing in this year's edition of the IPL after breaking his arm in the third and final test against South Africa on Monday.

The 28-year-old was struck on his left forearm by a Morne Morkel bouncer on day four of the test at the Basin Reserve, and suffered a fractured ulna.

New Zealand went on to draw the test on a compelling fifth day as Kane Williamson made an unbeaten century, while Doug Bracewell battled away to make 20 not out.

Taylor, who underwent surgery yesterday, revealed he would have batted in the test if he was needed to save the game, and drove down to the ground as the match reached its conclusion, but he wasn't required.

The right-hander will now turn his attention to resting his broken wing and spending time with family and friends with the hope of playing some of the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament in the sub-continent for his Delhi Daredevils franchise.

"We'll just see what the medical staff say,'' he said. "I've always listened to them and when they say I'm ready, I'm ready. I won't be going against their word.

"At this stage, I've heard four weeks so I'm not putting a timeframe on it. I've learned that from that last injury with the calf, so I'll have to wait and see.''

The IPL runs from April 4 to May 27 and the break to Taylor's arm could be a costly one. He was signed by the Rajasthan Royals for US$1 million last year but was traded to Delhi in February for an undisclosed sum, although some reports have suggested he was due to earn US$1.1 million this year.

Players are paid on a pro-rata basis in the IPL and Taylor wouldn't confirm whether he had taken out an insurance policy on potential lost earnings.

"That's my personal business. I won't be disclosing that, I don't think.''

New Zealand's next international assignment is in the West Indies where they will play three tests, five one-dayers and two Twenty20 internationals in June and July.

Taylor said New Zealand could take a lot from the contests with South Africa, who won the Twenty20s 2-1, the ODIs 3-0 and test series 1-0.

"I think we learned a lot off them,'' Taylor said. "They were the better side in the series and the results showed that but I think we've got to take a lot of positives out of it. We are a young team. We will be a little bit inconsistent over the next few periods but, once we start playing a few more games, I'm sure we'll be a better side for it.''

Coach John Wright is off contract with New Zealand Cricket following the tour to the Caribbean and Taylor said he wanted the former test opener to stay on in the role.

"He's been very good to me and I've got a good relationship with him, and obviously I'm looking forward to him hopefully staying around.''