McCullum influence still apparent: Taylor

Brendon McCullum's captaincy style is still a factor for the in-form New Zealand team heading into the World Twenty20 semi-finals.

Ross Taylor says New Zealand's success so far at the World Twenty20 in India can be attributed to the captaincy of both Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson.

Williamson led the Black Caps their fourth successive group win on Saturday - a 75-run rumbling of Bangladesh in Kolkata - to set up a semi-final against England in New Delhi on Wednesday.

It was New Zealand's sixth successive T20 win, surpassing their previous best streak of five set in 2011-12.

Taylor lauded the leadership of skipper Williamson but says the influence of the retired McCullum lives on, having guided the Black Caps to last year's World Cup final and overseen a considerable improvement in all international formats.

"Any time you have an influential captain, you'll have a period when his influence is still in," said Taylor, who preceded McCullum as skipper.

"Brendon was a charismatic leader but I think Kane's come a long way and over the next few years he'll develop his own style. I think he already is - there's a little bit of learning from what Brendon did but doing his own thing as well."

The depth developed during McCullum's three years in charge was now becoming apparent, Taylor said.

The fact that New Zealand aren't missing the flamboyant former opener's dominant batting at the top of the T20 order emphasises their improved ability to fill gaps.

"There's 15 good players here and there's probably another 6-7 that would feel disappointed not to be in this team," Taylor said.

"Losing Brendon was a big thing at the top of the order but it shows the depth in the New Zealand team and the confidence that is has.

"Whichever 11 goes onto the field is confident in their roles."


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Source: AAP


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