Mark Taylor      

Full name Mark Anthony Taylor

Born October 27, 1964, Leeton, New South Wales

Current age 45 years 30 days

Major teams Australia, New South Wales

Also known as Tubby

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm medium

Other Commentator

Mark Taylor was such a masterful opening batsman, slip fielder and captain for Australia that he was looked upon as an allrounder. A heavily built left-hander who played classically late, Taylor made 839 Test runs on his first England tour (1989) and for most of his 104 Tests remained reassuringly solid. He was equally dependable at first slip, where he cradled most of his world-record 157 catches. After he inherited the captaincy from Allan Border in 1994-95 he began with a pair, but soon added such acute tactical vibrancy that the following year Australia toppled West Indies in the Caribbean to become unofficial world champions. Taylor's leadership and diplomacy marked him out as one of Australia's greatest captains, and saved his place during an 18-month batting slump that ended with a memorable century at Edgbaston in 1997. The following year he made an unbeaten 334 at Peshawar to match Don Bradman's highest score for Australia, then declared. Six months later, still only 34, but with the Ashes again safe and his timing as sound as ever, he retired to the commentary box.
Greg Baum

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1990

Aug 27, 2008

Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor and singer Kamal at the Don's 100th birthday celebrations

© Getty Images

Oct 23, 2007

Mark Taylor speaks at a Cricket Australia event

© Getty Images

Oct 17, 2006

Steve Waugh, Allan Border and Mark Taylor, former Australian captains, pose with the Ashes urn after it arrived in Sydney from England

© Getty Images

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