Brendan Taylor ‘embracing every moment’ after Test recall against New Zealand; he returns after 3-year ban

By Agencies

Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, who earned a recall to the Test team after serving a three-and-half year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code, said the feeling was yet to sink in as he gears up for his return to whites in the second Test against New Zealand, starting August 7 in Bulawayo.

“I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am – and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I’m actually here. I’ve been soaking it all up and embracing every moment. It’s just been a really nice integration,” he said.

“The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return. I’ve put in an immense amount of work – from fitness to the technical side to diet – and I’m feeling a lot leaner, fitter and mentally stronger. That’s only been possible through sobriety.”

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine also welcomed Taylor into the side. “I 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,” Ervine said ahead of the opening Test against New Zealand.

“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.”

Taylor, now 39, has not played any representative cricket since retiring abruptly in September 2021, and the conditions of his ban meant he has not been able to train with any national or domestic squads.

So far, Taylor has played 34 Tests for Zimbabwe between 2004 and 2021, and averages 36.25. He has scored six centuries, including a second-innings 105* in Zimbabwe’s comeback Test from a six-year self-imposed hiatus from the format, against Bangladesh in Harare in 2011.