For the final time in his international career, Ross Taylor's preparation for his final Blackcaps series are underway.
The squad has gathered in Tauranga before the three one-day internationals against the Netherlands, starting on Tuesday.
In just a week's time, the legendary batter will be farewelling the international scene after 16 years.
But top of mind for Taylor is simply making sure he can get some cricket in, with some inclement weather approaching at Mt Maunganui and Hamilton - the hosts for the three matches.
"The forecast doesn’t look great for a couple of them," he notes.
Weather aside, Taylor’s final series coincides with the return of George Worker – who's back from the international wilderness, after three-and-a-half years.
"I guess you always start to think about whether you’ll play for New Zealand again," Worker admits. "But it's just great to be here."
A dominant debut season with Auckland and Mark Chapman being scratched with COVID-19 have opened the door for Worker's recall, and he's delighted to be reunited with his former Central Districts teammate.
But for the Taylor family, this week is about relishing the little time left on the pitch, and he intends having daughter Mackenzie and son Jonty by his side - both given a free pass to skip school to attend their father's swansong series.
"Schooling and all of that is important, but some of these memories are more important than that," says Taylor.
"They can always go to school but they can't go sit next to Tom [Latham] and [Martin Guptill] in the changing room."
Reading and writing can wait, when you have the chance to learn from the best.
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