Mark Taylor: Key architects of modern Australian cricket. Part 1

His highest test score(334*),is the 3rd highest for an Aussie.

Mental strength, grit and determination were the three qualities that best defined Mark Taylor who was arguably amongst the finest captains in cricket history.

In 1992 Mark served his apprenticeship under Captain Allan Border, when he was made Vice-Captain of the Australian Cricket Team.  When Allan retired in May 1994, Mark was appointed the 39th Australian Captain, which gave him plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming One Day Tests against Sri Lanka and then the three Tests to be played in Pakistan later that year.  These would be followed by a One Day Triangular Series involving Pakistan, South Africa and Australia.

It was now Mark's turn to put his own stamp on the side.  He intended to stamp out sledging while still maintaining the Australian's on-field aggression.  Mark saw himself as a good communicator and, though without flair, he always worked hard and was onside with his peers.

In 1994 Mark led his team to success against the West Indies in the Caribbean, and the Australians won the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy for the first time in 23 years.  At the time he was appointed Captain, Mark had played 54 Tests and had a batting average of 46.98.  Following his selection, he and Michael Slater had an outstanding tour of England.  The pair piled on the runs, setting up the Ashes win that brought fame to Wagga Wagga.

These victories meant that the Australian team could claim to be the best cricket team in the world.