New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor ran freely while completing some fitness drills on Friday, with the team to make a decision on his availability for Saturday\u2019s series-deciding fifth one-day match against England just before the start of the game.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old produced a match-winning unbeaten 181 in the fourth one-day international on Wednesday, despite having aggravated a thigh injury and suffering cramps that restricted his movement and forced him to limp singles in the successful run chase.<\/p>\n
Taylor, who had his left leg heavily strapped, however did not seem to be hampered as he completed a series of drills on Hagley Oval on Friday and a team spokesman told reporters the final decision would be made just before the toss on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The batsman\u2019s inclusion for the Christchurch match would be a massive boost for New Zealand.<\/p>\n
He has scored 626 runs at an average of 89.42 in New Zealand\u2019s one-day matches this summer with two centuries, three half centuries and three not out scores in the 40s.<\/p>\n
New Zealand batsman Tom Latham, who has combined with Taylor in match-winning partnerships in their two victories in the series, said the form the right-hander was in gave the whole side confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s obviously great to bat with someone like that with one, his experience, and two, the form he\u2019s in,\u201d Latham told reporters. \u201cHe\u2019s hitting the ball pretty well.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat innings the other day was something pretty special that you don\u2019t get to see often.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taylor and Latham\u2019s 187-run partnership in the fourth game at Dunedin levelled the evenly-matched series at 2-2 and gave them an opportunity to end England\u2019s impressive run of five successive victories in bilateral series.<\/p>\n
If New Zealand wins the series they would end their limited overs programme this summer having won 11 of their 13 games, including three against an England side who are fast looming as World Cup favourites on home soil next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would obviously be very special (if we won the series),\u201d Latham added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re a great side. They\u2019re a quality side that keeps coming throughout their whole innings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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