Taylor Reflects on Comeback with Intense Training

BULAWAYO: Veteran Zimbabwean batter Brendan Taylor has described his return to the national squad after a four-year absence as feeling like a debut. He expressed his honor to once again represent his country on the field.

Taylor’s last international appearance for Zimbabwe was in an ODI series against Ireland in September 2021, after which he retired from professional cricket.

In early 2022, Taylor made the revelation that he was approached by individuals involved in match-fixing, who threatened to expose his drug addiction if he did not comply with their requests.

Instead, the right-handed batsman announced his retirement. The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a three-and-a-half-year ban for failing to promptly report the corrupt approach, and he entered rehabilitation.

Following his ban, Brendan Taylor established a coaching facility at his residence, hoping to secure a coaching position. However, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) MD Givemore Makoni persuaded him to return as a player with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon.

As a result, Taylor, 39, was included in Zimbabwe’s starting XI for the second Test of the two-match home series against New Zealand, currently taking place at the Queens Sports Club.

Speaking to broadcasters before the first day’s play, Taylor reflected on the challenges of dealing with the sanction and his internal turmoil, describing it as a traumatic and ‘incredibly difficult’ time.

“Isn’t it remarkable that three years ago I struggled to get out of bed, and now I’m back doing what I love – representing Zimbabwe? Dealing with the sanction, dealing with my own internal chaos – it wasn’t just one day; there were many days filled with trauma,” Taylor shared.

“I was in the darkest depths, trying to navigate through this overwhelming demoralization of life. It was incredibly tough,” he added.

Taylor expressed his gratitude to his friends, family, and various ZC officials, especially MD Makoni, for their support during his rehabilitation, which he described as transformative.

“Then came the joy and promise of recovery, which is very dear to me. Getting my life back on track is why I am here. If I hadn’t made that life-altering decision, none of this would have been possible,” Taylor continued.

“I’ve had some very important people in my corner, showing me a new way to live, and I am eternally grateful. There are a few people within Zimbabwe Cricket that I must thank, particularly the chairman and the MD, who were pivotal in supporting my return,” he added.

When asked about receiving his 36th Test cap, Taylor described it as a moment of gratitude and emotion, noting that he trained harder than ever before for his comeback match, giving him a ‘debut-like feeling’.

“[It] meant everything to me. It was a moment filled with gratitude and genuine emotion, being welcomed back with open arms,” Taylor said.

“It wasn’t the reaction I anticipated, but it’s certainly a moment for reflection and gratitude. It’s rewarding to see the amount of cricket Zimbabwe Cricket is offering. I have trained harder than ever to get back here. If performances follow, that’s great, but there’s a much bigger picture for me. It’s an honor to play again. It feels like a debut.”