Cricket: Taylor gets three jobs in one

Ross Taylor says he's ready for the extra responsibility of the captaincy. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The men charged with choosing New Zealand's next cricket captain considered splitting the role between the only two candidates, Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum.

Taylor was yesterday revealed as Dan Vettori's successor in all three versions of the game.

However, New Zealand Cricket's acting national selection manager, Mark Greatbatch, confirmed some thought was given to dual responsibility by the panel, which also comprised NZC's director of cricket, John Buchanan, and team coach John Wright.

"We discussed that," Greatbatch said. "It's been done round the world. England have three captains. But we felt it was important going forward for now that it was the same voice in all three forms.

"The two candidates play all three forms, so we decided to go for one."

Taylor was delighted at his elevation, and pronounced himself ready to take charge, having done 18 months as Vettori's No 2.

In his 10 completed ODIs as captain, his batting average is eight runs higher than his overall numbers, 44.2 against 36.8. Zimbabwe in October will be his first test as captain.

"I've always wanted to play for New Zealand, ever since I was a little boy growing up in Masterton.

"Playing for New Zealand is a great thrill. To be captain is an even greater honour," he said.

Taylor has made it clear he's ready to step up.

"Extra responsibility is something I thrive upon and I look forward to continuing to learn in the role," he said.

"Every captain has their own style. I'm very quiet. I don't like to talk a lot, I like to talk to individuals but I'm looking forward to working with John Wright.

"We both have the same passion for playing for New Zealand.

"I want to bring a good competitive edge to the team and I think I can add a lot to the team."

Taylor got the news in a phone call on Monday night from Buchanan, although he admitted he missed hearing it first time round.

"I was trying to pick wedding songs for this Saturday. We probably had the music a bit loud," he quipped. Taylor is marrying former Northern Districts player and longtime partner Victoria Brown.

He is proud of his Samoan heritage, which comes from his mother, Naoupu's side of the family. Left arm bowler Murphy Su'a from the 1990s is the only previous player of Samoan heritage to play tests for New Zealand.

"With this role I hope I can inspire more Polynesians and Maori to this game. They're talented athletes and it's an untapped market," Taylor said.

Speculation that players had taken sides on whom they wanted as captain didn't faze Taylor, who is confident he'll have total dressing room support. He described as "media speculation" talk over which candidate enjoyed more player support.

"I've had respect when I've captained the team in Dan's absence and I don't think anything will change."

Taylor scoffed at a suggestion McCullum's disappointment might manifest itself in a divisive manner within the dressing room.

"I see Brendon as a very professional athlete. He'll obviously be very disappointed. He wanted this job as much as I did.

"Brendon is a key part to our team going forward.

"Give him a couple of weeks to get over the disappointment then I look forward to him scoring lots of runs at the top of the order."

No vice-captain was named yesterday. New Zealand's next commitment is not until touring Zimbabwe in October.

Greatbatch said both candidates "presented well", although talk of PowerPoint presentations was laughed off.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said the reason for the delay in naming the captain was because both men were wanted back in New Zealand to go through a fair process.

Said Greatbatch: "Both presented well, they were thorough and detailed and passionate about the job."

LUTERU ROSS POUTOA LOTE TAYLOR

* Born: March 8, 1984, Lower Hutt

* Tests: 30
* Runs: 2221, 4 x 100, 12 x 50
* Average: 41.12

* ODIs: 107
* Runs: 3055, 4 x 100, 20 x 50
* Average: 36.8

* T20s: 37
* Runs: 659, 3 x 50
* Average: 21.96, S/R 116.84