Ross Taylor will play the Middlesex Cup one day before the World Cup

Taylor was released by New Zealand to play Middlebad Cup one day before the World Cup. He is scheduled to start against Surrey at The Oval on April 25 and is expected to play at least five games in the tournament.

If Middlebad reaches the final stages, Taylor will also be available for the play-off and semifinal selections on May 10 and 12. However, he will not be available for the final at Lord's on May 25, with New Zealand scheduled to play a preseason game against India the same day.

Taylor has been in sublime form in the ODI – he has already scored 593 points in 11 games this year at a staggering average of 74.12. In fact, since the last World Cup, Taylor has had a brilliant average of 68.86.

Bryan Stronach, the New Zealand executive director of high performance, said the relay with Middlebad was the best possible preparation for his star player. "It's a good opportunity for Ross and Gary Stead. [coach] and I agree that playing cricket in English conditions will only strengthen his preparation for the World Cup, "he said.

"Ross is a very experienced player who knows what works best for him and will do it for BLACKCAPS as well."

At Middlebad, Taylor will fill the gap left by English captain Eoin Morgan, who will be on an international mission. Irishman Paul Stirling will also be out of the second half of the tournament and Middlebad GM Angus Fraser is delighted to have succeeded in replacing one of them with such an accomplished player as Taylor.

"Having the opportunity to fill these gaps with a player of the undisputed clbad of Ross is a real treat for the club," he said. "He is an exceptional cricketer and a cracking man, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Lord's in a few weeks."

New Zealand begins its World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Cardiff on June 1st.