“If we don’t start well, the tournament’s over”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has admitted that he is eager to add a Champions Trophy title to the list of accomplishments he has achieved in his illustrious career.

The Black Caps won the event back in 2000, but since then, they have only been in the final on one other occasion, which came in 2009, where they lost to Australia by six wickets.

New Zealand will start their Champions Trophy campaign against Australia at Edgbaston on Friday before going on to play England and Bangladesh.

Given his experience of playing in the Champions Trophy, the 33-year-old knows that if his side fail to start on the right foot, they could face the prospect of an early exit.

“A tough draw means that they have to start strongly,” he said. “The players have played together for so long now we know each other so well. Our depth is probably our strength.

“But we need to start well. We have two hard matches straight up against Australia and England and if we don’t start well, the tournament’s over.”

Should New Zealand come up short in their bid to win the tournament, Taylor revealed that his next aim will be to try and help his country taste glory the 2019 World Cup.

As for his plans beyond that, Taylor simply said: “We’ll see.”