Having won all previous seven matches across the three formats, the BLACKCAPS have the chance to make it a clean sweep against Bangladesh when the two sides square off in the second ANZ Test in Christchurch.
And while a 2-0 Test series win is the ultimate objective, there are a number of other milestones to keep an eye on during the Test, with a number of individual achievements on the horizon…
Taylor closing in on mentor
Ross Taylor looked in good touch in Wellington after coming back from eye surgery, contributing 40 and 60 in his two knocks. However, should he be able to add a century at Hagley, he’ll reach 17 Test centuries - the same number as that of his mentor, the late, great Martin Crowe. Taylor has often talked about how much it would mean to match his mate ‘Hogan’s’ record and in Christchurch one feels he might have that chance. Keep an eye on Kane Williamson too though, who made it 15 of his own in the second innings at the Basin.
6000 on the cards
Just 62 runs stand between Taylor and becoming the third New Zealander to make 6000 Test runs. Only Stephen Fleming (7172) and Brendon McCullum (6453) have more runs to their name, but with a far superior average of 46.75, one imagines it’s only a matter of time until Taylor takes top spot.
A chance at 5000
This one might be a bit optimistic for this Test match, but when Kane Williamson is involved you never do know. The skipper needs 195 runs to reach 5000 Test runs and even if he doesn’t do it this Test, you can pretty much guarantee he’ll be the fastest and youngest New Zealander to the milestone. At age 26, he’s already the sixth highest Test run scorer for New Zealand.
Southee needing seven
A seven wicket bag for Tim Southee in Christchurch would make him the fifth BLACKCAP ever to take 200 Test wickets. He’d join Sir Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori, Chris Martin and Chris Cairns in the exclusive club and at just 28 year’s old, there could be a few more left in him yet.
