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HOBART - Ross Taylor is facing two big tasks in today's one-dayer against England - trying to help his side win, and avoiding the dehydration and cramp that have been plaguing him.
New Zealand's newest batting hero was taken to hospital after scoring his first one-day international century, against Sri Lanka at Napier at the beginning of the month.
Yesterday, he spent hours having tests in Hobart after his sparkling 84 against Australia on Sunday.
Having already had blood samples taken, Taylor was yesterday assessed by a local endocrinologist, an expert who specialises in disorders of the hormone system, such as diabetes, adrenal problems and hyperthyroidism.
But the 22-year-old righthander said most of the tests had come back clear, and although a few were still pending, he was confident he would be fit to take on England at the Bellerive Oval today as New Zealand chase their first win in the tri-series.
"They thought diabetes could be an option but now they think it's unlikely," he said.
"It's probably a combination of dehydration and nerves, which is what happened at Napier.
"But it's a bit of a mystery. I've never had this problem before. It's just come on twice in a couple of weeks."
The blossoming batsman said he was so nervous before the Napier and Hobart matches he had trouble eating, and he had to force some food down during the innings break on Sunday, before blasting the Australian bowlers all over the park.
Being stricken by cramp in two outings for New Zealand, and the search for a medical reason, had started him wondering whether he had some mysterious illness.
"Just before I went to sleep, I thought, 'gee, I hope it's nothing serious'," he said.
"When people start doing a lot of tests on your blood, you're never sure what they might find.
"Your health is a big thing, so I hope the tests tomorrow are okay."
Taylor said he'd received many texts from friends about ways to prevent dehydration, but he was prepared to experiment only with the one theory that didn't seem to have any danger of side-effects.
"I've been getting a few texts from people saying tonic water is the go because it's got quinine in it," he said.
"It's supposed to be an old wives' tale for cramp, so I might give that a go.
"But I think I've just got to make sure I hydrate well and eat more than I have been. I thought I'd drunk enough water but obviously I hadn't.
"The tests came back and showed I was dehydrated, so hopefully I can get that sorted out."
Meanwhile, Taylor's teammate Peter Fulton said yesterday there was no quick fix to the New Zealand team's batting woes.
It was simply up to the players to ensure they did better than they did on Sunday, starting with today's game.
New Zealand were bowled out for 73 by Sri Lanka in Auckland a fortnight ago, and lost seven wickets for 23 during their 105-run loss to Australia on Sunday.
"There's only so much you can say," Fulton said.
"We can sit and talk about what's gone wrong - which we have done - but it comes down to accountability for the batsmen."
