WELLINGTON, June 21: Batsman Ross Taylor was appointed New Zealand cricket captain on Tuesday, replacing spin bowler Daniel Vettori, who stepped down in March after the World Cup.

Taylor served as vice-captain under Vettori and his appointment was widely expected, with wicket-keeper/batsman Brendon McCullum seen as his main rival for the skipper’s position. The 27-year-old said he was humbled by the appointment and believed New Zealand had the talent to be a force in world cricket.

“I’ve learnt a great deal about leadership having played under Dan Vettori and feel ready to take on what is one of the highest honours in New Zealand sport,” he said.

Taylor has played 30 Tests, with an average of 41.12, and 107 One-day Internationals, averaging 36.80.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said Black Caps coach John Wright, director of cricket John Buchanan and acting selection manager Mark Greatbatch had all backed Taylor’s appointment. “The process to select the captain has been robust,” NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said. “We wanted to make sure the right people were involved and that we appointed the right man for the job -- I’m sure we have done that.”

Vettori held the captaincy for four years and stepped down after guiding New Zealand to the World Cup semi-finals earlier this year.—AFP