After serving a three-and-a-half-year ban for violating the ICC’s anti-corruption code, veteran batter Brendan Taylor is ready to return to the international scene. After failing to disclose an approach and taking cash and gifts for spot-fixing games from an Indian businessman, Taylor has been banned since 2022. Although the businessman’s name is still unknown, Taylor claims that he recorded the cricket player using cocaine, which was used as evidence of blackmail to ruin the player’s professional career.
The cricket player feels that he has learnt his lesson the hard way, and he will try to contribute more than just his presence with his new beginning for the national team. In addition, he wants to fulfil his duties and responsibilities as a team member that align with his skills. The 39-year-old will soon return to international cricket, and if all goes according to plan, he could be included in the ODI squad before the 2027 World Cup, which Zimbabwe and neighbouring Africa will co-host.
“I’ve been appropriately humbled. According to ESPNcricinfo, Brendan Taylor stated, “I look forward to really just adding value, which I probably didn’t do to the best of my ability when I was there before.”
Extremely happy to see him again: Craig Ervine
In all honesty, Taylor has completed the duration of his ban, which concluded on July 25. He will now make his Test debut against New Zealand in the second match of the current series. Taylor, his senior, has been working hard to make his comeback possible, and the whole team is thrilled to have him back in the squad, according to Chevrons captain Craig Ervine.
“It goes without saying that he will be available for the second Test. However, I am also aware of the amount of effort he has put out in his own capacity, particularly in the last eight, ten, or twelve months, to make this happen. I’m eager for him to return to the area in the coming days and am interested in what he may bring to the group and team,” Craig Ervine remarked.
The Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo will host the second Test of the series, which is scheduled to start on August 7. Zimbabwe is batting first after winning the toss against the Mitchell Santner-led team in the opening match of the series. Before his comeback match, Taylor will be closely watching this game to evaluate the opposition bowling attack.
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