After two early reprieves and
a modest start against Pakistan, Taylor broke the shackles and mercilessly
bludgeoned the bowlers in the later overs in an unbeaten 131 that contained
seven sixes - including one that landed outside the Pallekele stadium from a
Shoaib Akhtar delivery.
His first ODI century in more
than two years certainly silenced his critics.
So how does he follow that
up? Having Vettori sidelined with an injured knee won't hurt the 27-year-old
Taylor.
“As captain, you always like
to lead from the front,” Taylor said Saturday. “One of the biggest strengths
about Dan is that he leads from the front with bat and ball and in the field.
That's the way I'd like to learn off him and hopefully assert myself and lead
from the front as well.” Taylor has tended to rise to the occasion in the past,
averaging almost 42 in his nine ODIs as captain, well above his average of 36
in 103 ODIs.
“It's an honor to captain
your country. I've been able to do it a few times and have enjoyed some
success,” he said.
“Tomorrow is another game,
not to get any more nervous than normal. It's nice to captain your county in a
World Cup, but the main result obviously is to win a game.” Taylor has won
three of his nine games in charge and had one no-result. But he'll take more
confidence from his century against Pakistan.
Taylor took charge when
Vettori left the field after digging his right knee into the ground attempting
a catch in the sixth over of Pakistan's innings on Tuesday. Vettori is hoping
to return for the last Group A match against Sri Lanka, a match would could
decide who tops the group ahead of the quarterfinals.
In the meantime, Taylor is
happy to consult Vettori on tactics and team selections. Selectors still
haven't decided on who will replace Vettori, with leftarm spinner Luke Woodcock
and seamer Hamish Bennett in the frame.
They've only played 13 ODIs
between them — Woodcock has only played two ODIs and hasn't taken a wicket, so
the Kiwis are waiting to see the Wankhede Stadium pitch on Sunday morning
before settling on a combination.
Once they walk onto the
field, though, there's no disputing who is in charge.
“It's still Dan's team,”
Taylor said, but “Once it comes onto the park, it's obviously my
responsibility.” It's a responsibility he's taking very seriously, even more so
after his stunning innings took the match away from Pakistan and lifted New
Zealand to a third win in four matches and into second spot in the group.
“I've struggled for a couple
of months, so it was nice to get a score,” he said. “But you're only as good as
your next innings. I'm not trying to be overconfident, just going out there and
doing the basics well and getting a score.” The New Zealanders can move into
top spot in the group with a win over Canada and one pool match remaining
against Sri Lanka, but aren't starting to consider quarterfinal permutations
just yet.
“The main focus is if you win
the next two games, you'll be either first or second in your pool,” Taylor
said. “If you look after the win column,” other statistics become irrelevant.
Sunday's match will be the
first international cricket played at Wankhede Stadium since 2008. The Mumbai
venue has been refurbished and is due to host the April 2 final. The last
formality in having the stadium ready to host World Cup matches was cleared
this week when city authorities signed off on the safety certificate.
