Ross Taylor said he was "distressed" to be told he was losing the Black Caps captaincy but today vowed to return to the team once he had mentally refreshed himself.

Taylor released a lengthy statement via a PR company outlining how he viewed the process unravel that saw him replaced by Brendon McCullum as skipper.

The 28-year-old confirmed he had declined New Zealand Cricket's offer to be test captain and tour captain.  

Taylor said he met with NZC yesterday and accepted their apology for the way in which matters have been handled.

He also confirmed he is taking a break from cricket and the Black Caps. He felt this will help refresh him. He plans to return to the game "when the time is right".

"I was told of the decision by NZ Cricket to change the captaincy on Tuesday of this week. It was sad and disappointing from a personal perspective but it did not come as a great surprise," Taylor said.

"Mike Hesson, Mike Sandle and Bob Carter met with me just prior to the first test in Sri Lanka and raised concerns about my captaincy. The following day Mike Hesson said he did not want me to captain the team after the tour.

"Obviously the news and the timing was distressing but I was very focused on leading the team and putting everything I had into what was happening on the field, not off the field.

"It has been a very challenging and pressured time and I don't believe I can give 100 per cent to the game at this time. I have decided that it is best for everyone if I decline the test captaincy offer which could be confusing in terms of leadership for the team.

"Cricket is my life and my passion. I love the game and I love playing for my country. But taking a break is the right thing for me right now. My family and friends support my decisions that I have made after very serious thought and consideration.

"However I want people to know that I am determined to contribute to the Black Caps team in the future and help whoever is in charge to win games of cricket for New Zealand. That is my passion and it will continue to be so. We all need to show leadership in our own way, at all times, regardless of who is in charge.

"Brendon McCullum has been named captain and I wish him every success."

Taylor said he was also humbled by the strong support that fans had shown him in the wake of his demise.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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