Brendan Taylor, who is eligible to play in the second and final Test, has been added to Zimbabwe’s lineup for the continuation of the series against New Zealand. After announcing his sudden retirement (for the second time) from all forms of international cricket in 2021, Brendan Taylor is making a comeback.
Shortly after, Brendan Taylor was convicted of violating the ICC’s anti-corruption rules by failing to disclose an Indian businessman who had pressured him into helping the cricket player manipulate the score. The incident was reported in 2022, when it was said that the businessman had given the cricket player presents and money after filming him doing cocaine.
I’m pinching myself to acknowledge that I’m here: Brendan Taylor
On Friday, July 25, Brendan Taylor three-and-a-half-year suspension from playing international cricket was removed after he was found guilty of the crime. Taylor has now spoken out about his experience and what it took to avoid playing the game he loves the most after his name was put to the Zimbabwean squad. The 39-year-old believes he is in great shape right now and is also in good enough shape to start the second Test, which starts on August 7.
“I definitely did believe that everything was finished, but now I’m here, and I’m overcome with gratitude. To realise that I’m here, I have to pinch myself a little. I’ve been enjoying every second and taking it all in. Simply put, the integration has been rather pleasant. Undoubtedly, the past year and a half has been devoted to my comeback. I feel more thinner, fitter, and more mentally powerful now that I’ve worked so hard at everything from exercise to the technical side to eating. Only sobriety has made that possible. Taylor’s emotional return was cited by ZC as saying, “I’ve really enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space.”
Updated Zimbabwean Squad for Second Test Match Against New Zealand
Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tanaka Chivanag, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa, Brendan Taylor, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Roy Kaia, Tafadzwa Tziga, Roy Kaia, Cilve Madande, Tannurwa Makoni, and Craig Ervine
India
