John Morrison: Taylor snub makes innings even sweeter

Ross Taylor acknowledges the crowd during his big innings. Photo / Getty

Australian players not congratulating Ross Taylor at the end of his brilliant 290 only makes the superb innings even sweeter, says former New Zealand cricketer John Morrison.

The Australian side have come under criticism for not shaking Taylor's hand after he was dismissed for the best ever score on Australian soil.

Morrison marks Taylor's knock as one of the best he's ever seen by a New Zealand batsman.

"He's made that score against what's regarded as one of the most hostile attacks in the world and probably the best bowler in the world at the moment, when chasing 550 odd - it's a very special performance."

While noting that it is custom for the Australian cricketers to not congratulate their opponents, Morrison says it wouldn't have bothered Taylor.

"They don't seem to congratulate players out there or even clap for them - that is the Aussie way but I don't think Ross Taylor or our guys got too upset about it. It's not worth labouring the point but it would have been nice to see.

"It doesn't detract from the innings at all. In fact, it makes it all sweeter when you get 290 anyway."

The sentiment is shared by Taylor's father - Neil - who said that Taylor "wouldn't be bothered at all" by the Australians not shaking his hand or offering congratulations after his mammoth innings.

Speaking to the Wairarapa Times Age, Taylor's father expressed his pride over Ross' laid-back, humble accomplishments.

"He's not the sort of guy who worries about that sort of thing, he'd be more annoyed at getting out when he did."

"He's never changed, he's never been one to be too excited about what he's done."

Taylor's innings gave the Black Caps a 65 run first innings lead - an advantage that has been overtaken by a big partnership by Steve Smith and Adam Voges which has left Australia 193 runs ahead with eight wickets remaining going into Day Five.

Morrison believes that a draw is the most likely result for the final day's play today.

"I think it's probably going to be a draw, I don't think they'll want to give New Zealand a sniff. Australia have never really taken risky declarations, they just try to bat the other side out of the game - that's been their history.

"They might give us a chance but a pretty long shot, and then try to roll New Zealand over - they wouldn't want to risk a loss in order to win.

"I hope I'm wrong though - I'd love to see a chase this afternoon, it'd be bloody marvelous."