Don Taylor

The highlight of Don Taylor's career must have been when New Zealand claimed their first Test victory, against West Indies at Auckland in March 1956. This was the last of his three Test appearances, and he contributed only 11 and 16 to the victory; yet he had made 43 (run out by the length of the pitch) and a forceful 77 in the previous Test, at Wellington - this after an interval of nine years since his debut (against England at Christchurch, when Bedser had him lbw for 12). In the years between, he played for Warwickshire for three seasons without distinction, his highest score being 90 not out at Trent Bridge.

Donald Dougald Taylor was born in Auckland on March 2, 1923, and died there late last year, aged 57. Like several other overseas-born players, he could never quite settle his temperament to the needs of everyday county cricket, and confrontations with the Warwickshire coach, the redoubtable 'Tiger' Smith, led to his being reported on disciplinary grounds. Taylor did make a mark in domestic New Zealand cricket however, and his 99 and 143 (his only first-class century) against Canterbury at Auckland in 1948-49 helped create a world record in raising over 200 for the first wicket in both innings. His partner was Bert Sutcliffe, who scored 141 and 135.
Wisden Cricket Monthly