Brendan Taylor has been added to the Zimbabwe squad for the second Test match against New Zealand, which begins on August 7 in Bulawayo. This marks the former captain’s return to international cricket after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code.
Expressing his excitement on the return, Taylor has said that he feels surprised to make a comeback and is trying to embrace it since the announcement.
“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,” Taylor said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Taylor has also added that he has given a lot of time to work on his fitness and is coming out more fit and mentally strong than before.
“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,” he added.
The former captain decided to call off his 17-year career in 2021, following which he had to undergo rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse, but later started his training at an elite independent school in Harare. Taylor returned to the squad for practice sessions ahead of the first Test match against New Zealand.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine has also welcomed Taylor into the squad. He expressed his happiness on his return and said he is happy to have him back and looks forward to his contribution to the team.
“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. 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,” Ervine said.
Taylor has played 34 Test matches so far for Zimbabwe, scoring 2,320 runs at an average of 36.25, including six centuries and 12 fifties.
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