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Zimbabwe are currently embroiled in a two-match Test series against New Zealand, with the action having commenced on July 30 at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. While a complete overhaul of the squad for the second Test isn’t anticipated, a singular, profoundly significant change has sent ripples of excitement through the Zimbabwean cricketing fraternity: the return of veteran batter and former captain Brendan Taylor.
Comeback for Zimbabwe in Test cricket vs New Zealand after 3.5 years
Former Zimbabwe captain Taylor is set to make a dramatic return to international cricket, ending a three-and-a-half-year absence. His ban, imposed by the ICC for failing to report a match-fixing approach and for a separate doping offense (cocaine metabolite), officially concluded on July 25. Taylor’s return is slated for the second Test against New Zealand, commencing on August 7 in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine, as per ESPNcricinfo, expressed immense enthusiasm for Taylor’s reintegration, stating, “He’ll obviously be available for the second Test. But I also know how hard he’s worked in his individual capacity – especially over the last eight, ten [or] 12 months – in order for this to happen. I’m very excited to have him come back into the space in the next few days, and looking forward to what he has to contribute towards the team and the group.”
The 39-year-old hasn’t played competitive cricket since his abrupt retirement in September 2021, with his ban prohibiting him from training with national or domestic squads. However, Taylor has utilized facilities at a reputable independent school in Harare and previously told ESPNcricinfo that he is “fitter than ever before” after undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse. He acknowledges the gravity of his past actions, stating,”I’ve been humbled properly. I look forward to really just adding value, which I probably didn’t do to the best of my ability when I was there before.”
Bolstering the squad: Potential impact and future aspirations
Zimbabwe have already announced its 16-member squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, featuring a robust batting lineup including Tafadzwa Tsiga, the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. Taylor, who predominantly batted at No. 4 throughout his Test career, is expected to slot back into that crucial position, potentially prompting a strategic reshuffle in the batting order to lengthen it. This might see players like Sean Williams moving down.
Zimbabwe will also need to ensure they maintain sufficient bowling options to balance the side effectively. Taylor brings a wealth of experience, having played 34 Tests for Zimbabwe between 2004 and 2021, averaging an impressive 36.25 with six centuries. His return comes at a demanding time for Zimbabwean cricket, with the team having already played seven Tests this year and four more scheduled against New Zealand and Afghanistan. While an immediate return to the T20 setup is not anticipated, Taylor could very well factor into Zimbabwe’s ODI plans, especially with an eye on the 2027 World Cup, which Zimbabwe are co-hosting. His experience and batting prowess could be invaluable as Zimbabwe aims to rebuild and strengthen its cricketing foundation.
