Ross Taylor's 16th one-day century against Australia in yesterday's 24 run win in Hamilton has been described as one of his best by Black Caps captain Kane Williamson.
Ross Taylor. Photo: Photosport
Yesterday's win wrapped up the Chappell-Hadlee series 2-0 to New Zealand, bringing the trophy that was relinquished in November back to this side of the Tasman.
Taylor made 107 off 101 balls before being caught on the square leg boundary trying to go big off a delivery from James Faulkner.
The 32-year-old's knock included 13 fours against an under-strength Australian side that was without captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and stand-in captain Matthew Wade.
Taylor backed his batting performance up in the field, taking two catches as the Black Caps removed Australia all out for 257.
Williamson says Taylor's performance with bat and in the field was world class.
"I think today was one of his best one day hundreds.
"(He) hardly faced a dot ball on a wicket that was quite hard to rotate strike I thought. He started extremely well, got a boundary or two away to get his innings off and running and just his way to pick up ones was brilliant," Williamson said.
It was an impressive knock from Taylor who only just returned to the New Zealand side following surgery on his left eye.
He joined Nathan Astle at the top of the list of Black Caps ODI century makers.
Taylor's teammate Trent Boult also produced one of his best days at the office, taking career best figures of six for 33 off his 10 overs.
The Black Caps congratulate Trent Boult. Photo: Photosport
The left armer picked up the crucial wickets of batsmen Peter Handscomb for a duck, Travis Head for 53 and Pat Cummins for 27.
For just five runs, he also claimed the scalp of allrounder James Faulkner, before taking out tailenders Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood to win the game.
Australian captain Aaron Finch said Boult's performance was outstanding.
"He's always attacking, you'd love to have one of them in your own side.
"We're lucky we've got Mitchell Starc, it's just a point of difference, someone who can get players who are in, out and who can knock over new batters at any stage. I think that's a huge asset to have and an unbelievable performance by Trent," Finch said.
New Zealand now prepare to take on South Africa in all three formats while Australia head to India.
-RNZ
