He may share a name with New Zealand batting legend Ross Taylor, but Benoni Northerns Cricket Club’s latest rising star is creating his own story.

It is one built on discipline, ambition and a hunger to climb the South African cricket ladder like his idol Jacques Kallis, recently named the greatest men’s international all-rounder of this century by ESPN Cricinfo.

Ross Taylor (14) was named the Benoni Northerns Colts batsman of the season at the club’s annual awards on June 5, capping a breakthrough campaign where he announced himself as one of the club’s exciting young talents.

It was a season of rapid progression for Taylor, who started with the Colts before earning opportunities with the Academy side and eventually stepping into the Premier Reserve team.

“It’s been a tough year,” Taylor said.

“I started out in Colts and then moved up into the Academy side and then into the Premier Reserve side. It’s just been a whole lot of training and discipline to get from the lowest level of senior cricket into the highest.”

The Benoni High learner said the award represents more than recognition, adding it is proof that his commitment and hard work are beginning to bear fruit.

“I’m relieved that hard work has paid off, but I know the end of the line isn’t here yet. It’s only a small stepping stone in the major journey. It is an amazing feeling, but this needs to happen.”

His mindset evolved as the season progressed. What began as a journey to compete soon became a mission to improve and separate himself from the crowd.

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“Starting with Colts, it was more of a game-through-the-season mentality. But as I moved through the ranks, my mentality changed. I wanted to improve and not just become a normal player. I wanted to be something different.”

The success of the Benoni Northerns Premier side, who claimed their first Eastern Premier League title in 13 years, has also inspired Taylor. Having experienced Premier Reserve cricket, he now has his sights firmly set on the next challenge.

“God willing, for sure. Hard work has to pay off and that work has to be done. Premier Reserve is another stepping stone and Premier League is the next one. If I can reach that level and build a future there, it will be amazing.”

Taylor’s love affair with cricket started early. Introduced to the game by his father, he was captivated by the greats who shaped the sport.

“Ever since I could walk, my dad showed me the game. I grew up watching the greats like Sachin Tendulkar and all those amazing players who built the foundation of cricket.”

He counts legends such as Kallis, India’s Rohit Sharma and England’s Joe Root among his inspirations, and his ambitions are clear.

“It’s the only thing my eyes are for. There’s nothing else I want to do. I’m trying to get through the ranks as quickly and as hard as I can and pursue cricket as a future.”

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