Brendan Taylor Returns to Zimbabwe’s ODI Squad After Four-Year Absence

HARARE: Zimbabwean cricket fans will be excited to see veteran wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor back in action for the national side. He has been included in the 16-man squad for the upcoming two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, marking his return to the format after four years.

Taylor’s last ODI appearance was in September 2021 against Ireland. Earlier this month, he also made a comeback to Test cricket in the second match against New Zealand.

In early 2022, Taylor revealed that he had been approached by match-fixers. He stated that they threatened to expose his drug addiction if he refused to cooperate with their demands.

Subsequently, the right-handed batsman announced his retirement and sought rehabilitation. The International Cricket Council (ICC) then handed him a three-and-a-half-year ban for not reporting the corrupt approach promptly.

To prepare for a coaching career, Brendan Taylor established a coaching center at his residence, aiming to secure a coaching position after his ban concluded. However, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) MD Givemore Makoni persuaded him to return as a player, with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in sight.

Now, he is set to participate in the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for August 29 and 31.

“We are very happy to have Brendan back in the team,” said Zimbabwe’s Convener of Selectors, David Mutendera.

“His vast experience and high quality are extremely valuable, particularly when the pressure is on. His presence will undoubtedly boost the morale of the team,” he added.

Besides Taylor, the team is further strengthened by the return of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, who have recovered from injuries.

It is worth noting that Zimbabwe has not participated in an ODI since their three-match series against Ireland in February.

The squad sees four changes from the one that faced Ireland, with Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, and uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku joining the team.

“This squad has been carefully chosen to give us the best possible chance against a formidable Sri Lankan team,” Mutendera stated.

“We have blended seasoned players with those eager to prove themselves. This balance of experience and youthful enthusiasm will be essential as we switch from Test cricket to the quicker pace of ODIs.”

Zimbabwe squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams