BLACKCAPS batsman Ross Taylor believes he has a remains optimistic of contributing to the team’s ICC World Cup campaign.
The State Central Stags batsman has been sidelined by a hamstring injury throughout the Super Eight Series.
However, the 23-year-old expects to resume training this week in Guyana, ahead of the game against Ireland on Tuesday (NZ time).
His return would end a two-week hiatus since completing a half-century against Kenya in St Lucia with a runner.
He said: “It’s getting better slowly. It’s been quite getting quite frustrating of late, but weather permitting, I should be able to start sprinting and, give it more of a test.
“I’d say my chances are 70:30 of playing (against Ireland) and maybe tomorrow I’ll have a better idea of where I am.”
Another frustration for Taylor was the absence of one of his cricketing heroes from the latter stages of the competition.
Taylor listed India batsman Sachin Tendulkar among a list of players he admired, and expressed disappointment that he would not get to watch the veteran at close quarters.
“From a New Zealand point of view, Mark Greatbatch and Martin Crowe were the players watching,” he said.
“From other teams, Mark Waugh and Tendulkar were people I liked watching.
“I must admit, I was looking forward to playing him in the Super Eights, but it didn’t work out.”
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