Batsman extraordinaire Ross Taylor has announced this summer will be his last for the Blackcaps.
Taylor, 37, has confirmed he'll retire from all forms of the game at the conclusion of the one-day international series against the Netherlands in April, bringing an end to one of the finest careers in NZ cricket history.
Taylor's final test match will be against Bangladesh at Christchurch's Hagley Oval from January 9, with quarantine restrictions meaning the NZ squad will be split between those playing the ODI and Twenty20 series in Australia and the two-test home series against South Africa.
Since making his international debut in an ODI against the West Indies in 2006, Taylor has been a staple in the Blackcaps' batting lineup in all three forms of the game and a driving force behind their ascent to one of the world's most formidable teams in a golden era for NZ cricket.
Last year, he became the first cricketer to play 100 internationals in each format and New Zealand's most-capped player, surpassing Daniel Vettori's total of 438. He's also served as captain in each.
He'll carry his bat as New Zealand's leading run-scorer in tests (currently 7584 runs) and ODIs (8581 runs), where he's currently ranked fourth on international cricket's all-time list.
He also holds the NZ record for most catches by a fielder, pocketing 346 to date, the majority of which have come in the slips cordon.
"It's been an amazing journey and I feel incredibly fortunate to have represented my country for as long as I have," said Taylor.
"It's been such a privilege to play with and against some of the greats of the game, and to have created so many memories and friendships along the way."
Just the second Blackcaps player of Samoan descent, Taylor scored a test career-best 290 against Australia at Perth in 2015, then added a third double century to his tally with 200 against Bangladesh in 2019.
Taylor was widely expected to step away from the game after his match-winning hand in the Blackcaps' World Test Championship final win over India in June, where his unbeaten 47 in a 97-run stand with captain Kane Williamson steered New Zealand to victory.
He missed out on selection for the Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE in October, then struggled for form during the two-test series against India which followed, scoring a total of 20 runs in his four innings. He's only passed 50 three times in his past 24 innings, which is the longest century-less stretch of his career.
Earlier this month, coach Gary Stead hinted Taylor's time may be nearing an end, with the burgeoning talents of the likes of Devon Conway and Will Young waiting in the wings.
Stead says Taylor would undoubtedly bow out as one of New Zealand's greatest players.
"Ross has always been a hugely respected member of the side and we're thankful for his contributions to the Blackcaps over an incredible career," says Stead.
"His skills and temperament as a batsman have been world-class, and his ability to perform at such a high level for so long speaks volumes of his longevity and professionalism.
"His experience has held the side together on countless occasions and his catching record speaks for itself. There's no doubt we're going to miss him when he's gone.
"I know Ross is really focused on performing well in these remaining series and going out on the right note."
Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson paid tribute to his familiar batting partner and long-time mentor for his unparalleled contribution to the game in Aotearoa.
Williamson's elbow injury has ruled him out of the upcoming Bangladesh series, meaning he's already played his final partnership in whites alongside Taylor.
"Ross has been at the core of the side for so long and can be extremely proud of having brought the game in this country to a better place," says Williamson.
"He's a world class player, our best with the bat over such a long period of time, and personally it's been a pleasure to be involved in so many partnerships with him across the formats.
"We've shared some pretty cool moments together – most recently the World Test Championship Final, which was obviously really special.
"As a senior player and a leader in the group, he's been a fantastic support person for me, especially out there in the field being able to tap into his experience."
"It's a really exciting time for Ross, when he can reflect on so many amazing moments throughout his career, and I know all the guys are also looking forward to sharing the occasions with him as he is such a special player to this team."
The first stop on Taylor's farewell tour will be the first test against Bangladesh in Tauranga, which starts on January 1.
