Blackcaps v India: Ross Taylor desperate to find winning formula in one-day series

Batsman Ross Taylor hopes New Zealand can discover their winning formula in the upcoming three-match one-day series against India. 

The Blackcaps haven't tasted victory in nine matches, since defeating England by an innings and 65 runs in the first of two tests on November 25. 

They drew the second test, before suffering three humiliating 200-plus-run defeats to Australia in the five-day format. Then came the 5-0 Twenty20 series sweep at the hands of India. 

Taylor hopes the Blackcaps can find success in their preferred format, with the one-day series beginning on Wednesday at Hamilton's Seddon Park. 

Surprisingly, the fixture will be New Zealand's first ODI since the horrific World Cup final defeat to England in July. 

"Even though it's a different format, it [losing] still does hurt," Taylor said. "Winning is a habit and losing all those tight games... 

"We're going into a format that's probably one of our strengths and when we do come back to play Twenty20 cricket and test cricket, those wounds would be addressed."

"Now, one-day cricket, hopefully Kane's [Williamson] shoulder is alright, new personnel and some world-class players to come back and we look forward to having them back in the squad."

Since the World Cup, New Zealand's record is 2-4-1 in tests and 4-9 in T20s.  

And in three of the five defeats to India, New Zealand had chances to win, but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. 

In Sunday's dead-rubber finale, the Blackcaps were 17/3, chasing India's total of 163/3, when Taylor joined Tim Seifert at the crease. 

Ross Taylor top-scored with 53 in the fifth T20.
Ross Taylor top-scored with 53 in the fifth T20. Photo credit: Photosport

Taylor (53) and Seifert (50) led a middle-order revival, leaving the Blackcaps needing 48 runs off 45 balls.

But another dramatic collapse of 6/25 saw the Blackcaps lose another game from a seemingly winning position.

Taylor said the defeat soured his milestone match, where he became the second New Zealand cricketer - behind White Fern Suzie Bates - to play 100 T20s.

"It was nice to contribute, nice to play 100 games, but I think the whole series has been disappointing.

"We've put ourselves in good positions and weren't able to capitalise, when you're up against a world-class side in India. We've played a lot worse and got better results than this and, that in itself is quite tough to deal with.

"You can't give this India side an inch, and we gave them a lot more than that and they took advantage.

"But it's nice to be the first one [NZ men's cricketer] to get there [100 T20s]. Hopefully, in time, Guppy and co. will surpass me, and will set the benchmark." 

New Zealand will welcome back all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme for the three-match ODI series.

Join us for live updates of the Blackcaps v India ODI series, starting Wednesday at 3pm