Cricket boss annoyed by Taylor's comments

Ross Taylor is heading for a "please explain" meeting with New Zealand Cricket boss David White.

New Zealand's premier batsman indicated in a radio interview yesterday that there is more information yet to be made public about his dumping as national captain by coach Mike Hesson in favour of Brendon McCullum during the Sri Lankan tour late last year.

Those comments, and particularly the timing after a thrilling final day of the England test series, which ended with New Zealand one wicket shy of a memorable victory, has rankled with NZC chief executive White.

"I wouldn't say I'm as comfortable as I would like to be, but yeah, I guess time will tell," Taylor said on Radio Live.

"There's a lot of things that have happened. Over the next couple of weeks or months things might get told but, right now, it's probably not a great time to talk about it."

White is unimpressed with Taylor's comments.

"I am very surprised and disappointed that Ross would come out with those comments the day after a magnificent test and series when we have done so well," White said.

"I mean to talk to him about his motivation for that, why he would do that the day after the test."

Taylor had significant public support when he was axed as skipper before the two tests in Sri Lanka. He withdrew from the subsequent tour to South Africa before returning against England.

Standing ovations followed him as he walked to the wicket through the T20 and ODI legs of the England tour.

Last week, on the eve of the final test at Eden Park, Taylor remarked that "I'm starting to hit the ball better than I was two or three weeks ago. I'm probably more happy with my state of mind."

That sounded as if he was settling back into the team environment as a player rather than a leader.

White maintained every effort had been made to rehabilitate Taylor - who has hit eight test hundreds and averages 42.55 in 46 matches - back into the side.

"The team and management has tried and done all it can to welcome Ross back into the team," White said.

"The team has been functioning particularly well and we need Ross to be scoring runs, no doubt about that."

Taylor managed 94 runs in five innings during the England tests.

It is clear he is far from at ease in the national side. Perhaps it is time someone he trusts gives him a "get over it and move on" shakeup. The die is cast in terms of the captaincy for the foreseeable future.

However it is a real stretch to suggest his comments yesterday, and White's response, indicate his place in the squad to go to England early next month is in doubt, or that he might pull out.

Frankly New Zealand need him in a settled middle order. There will be the expectation that the runs will return.