Ross Taylor has a 43-year-old New Zealand batting record in his sights in the second Test against Australia.

Taylor needs 164 runs to break the record for most Test runs in a calendar year which is held by John R Reid, who posted 871 runs at an average of 36.29 in 13 Tests in 1965.

Taylor has 708 runs in nine Tests so far this year but should he fail in Adelaide, the 24-year-old still has two more Tests against the West Indies next month in which to eclipse Reid's record.

Taylor showed good form at the Gabba in the first Test scoring 40 and 75 and he told The Dominion Post: "I knew I had 700 odd runs but I didn't have any knowledge of New Zealand Test run-scoring records for a year.

"I always set myself goals for a series and for a year, which I keep to myself. That seems to work well for me and they are based around what is best for the team.

"I've scored two hundreds this year and I'd really like to add to that."

end