Ross Taylor presented with 100 wine bottles to mark his 100th Test appearance

New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor created history on Friday when he came out on the field for the ongoing first Test against India in Wellington. Taylor joined the 100-Test list and also became the first cricketer in the world to play 100 matches in each of the 3 international formats (Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals).

The right-handed batsman played his 100th T20I against India too during the five-match series a couple of weeks ago. The veteran batsman is New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in Tests and ODIs with 7174 and 8570 runs to his name in each format respectively. In T20Is, he is the third-highest run-scorer for his country behind former captain Brendon McCullum and opener Martin Guptill.

And to make sure that the moment becomes memorable for Taylor, New Zealand cricket fraternity came up with a special gesture for him. The batting star was presented with hundred different wine bottles, one for each Test he has played so far. Taylor’s teammates, as well as former New Zealand international Ian Smith, were present during the occasion.

“Really excited about the occasion. It’s not a great sign when you wake up in the morning and there’s some rain around. Ian Smith said a few words at an event last night, and it was very nice for the team and the family to experience something they might never do again. I’ll need some help drinking (the hundred bottles of wine), but they can be stored for a while,” Taylor said after the special gesture.

A 💯 bottles of wine for Ross Taylor, one for each Test he has played! 👏🍷#NZvINDpic.twitter.com/uJjZ4d6L00

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 21, 2020

New Zealand on top on Day 1

As far as the game is concerned, New Zealand are well on top in the ongoing game at the Basin Reserve. On the tough pitch, India’s top-order faltered once again with debutant Kyle Jamieson doing the bulk of the damage. The lanky pacer picked up three wickets including the prized scalps of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli to put the hosts on top.

India were reeling at 122 for 5 when rain arrived and the day was eventually called off. Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant will resume the proceedings with the bat on the second day.