‘Ready for India’

With only 58 ODIs and 15 Tests to his name, Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote Taylor is the fresh-looking New Zealand squad’s best hope.

In a young and inexperienced batting line-up, Taylor, with his aggressive and fluent hitting is well suited to take on the speed and guile of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma.

The 25-year old Black Cap would lock horns with Team India for the first time in his career and is approaching it as one of his biggest challenges. “Not only the fast bowlers, even Harbhajan Singh, with all his experience, can make all the difference… It’s a champion side we are taking on,” Taylor told DNA on Saturday.

He admitted that after facing Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson in the recently concluded tour of Australia, it would be a little easier for him to tackle Zaheer and Irfan Pathan. “The team has such great players in all departments, it would be an exciting clash, more so as it comes on the heels of an exciting Australian tour,” said Taylor.

Taylor, who is from Samoan heritage, has had a good run in the shorter version scoring 576 runs in his last 10 games. “I like the shorter versions… They are exciting, but proving my mettle in Test matches will be the ultimate thing,” confessed the right-hander.

The Wellington-born batsman said that lack of Test match experience is a matter of concern for him and his inexperienced side.

Acknowledging that New Zealand are undergoing a rebuilding process under the leadership of Daniel Vettori, Taylor said that he is ready to don the senior-most batsman’s role. “We don’t have big stars in the team but Danny (Daniel Vettori), Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram bring enough flair and experience in the side,” explained Taylor.

Taylor played hockey in his school days and credits his superb hand-eye coordination to that sport. “I came to cricket due to my father and seeing Sachin Tendulkar play… They are my vivid memories”, remembered Taylor.

He is more excited with the touring Indians as he will get a chance to play against his childhood hero.
His connection to India, though, is not restricted to Tendulkar. He loves chicken tikka masala and pomfret fish prepared in India. “During my stint with Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League, I enjoyed the food and hospitality. I’m eagerly awaiting the second season,” said Taylor.

A self-confessed slog-sweep lover, Taylor in his free time loves to spend time with family and watch movies. “I am not into PlayStation or Xbox… I don’t own an iPhone either… You can call me a man of simple tastes,” he said.

He dreams of taking his girlfriend on a vacation to Italy.