Emboldened by the stunning win over India in the semifinal, New Zealand’s seasoned batsman Ross Taylor said the team is better prepared this time for the title clash of the World Cup.
Four years ago, New Zealand was hammered by Australia by seven wickets. However this time, Taylor said he believed the Black Caps were better prepared to cope with the challenges of an ICC World Cup final.
“I’d be lying if I said we weren’t a bit overawed by the change of scenery. I think we know what to expect, the pressures that come with it, we’ve been there before,” Taylor was quoted as saying in the ICC website.
“Whether it’s England or Australia, we have to enjoy the moment, put our best foot forward and hope for the best,” Taylor was quoted saying on the ICC website.
Taylor played a crucial role in New Zealand’s 18-run victory over India at Old Trafford in the semifinal played over two days.
Taylor who scored 74 in the match added, “I woke up at three in the morning so I didn’t know how I was going to go out and bat... It was a Test match feeling almost, being not out overnight and being a bit restless.
“But we talked about 240 being what Kane (Williamson) and I thought was a very competitive total. I don’t think a lot of people believed us. It was a really slow wicket and if anything it got better to bat once it rained.”
About New Zeland’s bowling attack, he said, “The big boys up front were fantastic getting those three wickets and from there it was nice to be ahead of the game. Jadeja and Dhoni nearly took it away from us. There was some brilliance out there, the catch of Neesham, the run-out of Guptill without even the keeper there. Those highlights in a few years’ time will be something the team will never forget.”
Prior to the tournament, Taylor had spoken of trying to emulate Chris Gayle and appear in a fifth World Cup at the age of 39.
However he admitted after this one that the final at Lord’s may well be his final appearance on this stage.
“Apart from the All Blacks, most New Zealand sides are underdogs, no matter what sport they play. It’s something we have embraced. It doesn’t sit well when we’re the favourites, we try to talk it down as much as possible,” he said.