Brendan Taylor
Harare, Zimbabwe – In a significant boost for Zimbabwean cricket, veteran batsman Brendan Taylor is set to make his long-awaited return to the One-Day International (ODI) fold after a four-year hiatus. The 39-year-old has been named in the 16-member squad that will take on Sri Lanka in a two-match series at the Harare Sports Club on August 29 and 31.
Taylor, a stalwart of Zimbabwe cricket, last featured in the 50-over format against Ireland in September 2021. His return marks a pivotal moment for the national team, bringing a wealth of experience and proven quality to a side in transition.
The comeback completes a remarkable personal journey for Taylor, who recently returned to international cricket in the Test arena against New Zealand after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code. His inclusion in the ODI squad underscores the selectors’ faith in his ability to make an immediate impact.
.jpeg)
David Mutendera, the Convener of Selectors, expressed his delight at Taylor’s return. “We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold,” he stated. “His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room.”
The squad, led by the seasoned Craig Ervine, sees a blend of experience and fresh talent. Alongside Taylor, the pace department is bolstered by the return of the fit-again duo of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani. The squad also includes four new faces who did not feature in Zimbabwe’s last ODI series against Ireland in February: Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, and the uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku.
Head Coach Justin Sammons emphasized the need for a swift adjustment from red-ball to white-ball cricket. “We’ve just come off a tough red-ball series and now it’s about adjusting to the tempo and intensity of one-day cricket,” Sammons remarked. “Sri Lanka are a strong white-ball side and will punish any lapses, so we need to be sharp from ball one.”
Captain Craig Ervine acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Switching from red-ball to white-ball cricket is always a test, especially against a team of Sri Lanka’s calibre. We need to stay flexible, back our plans and make the most of our home conditions to compete strongly in both matches.”
The series provides a crucial opportunity for Zimbabwe to test their mettle against a formidable Sri Lankan outfit and for Brendan Taylor to reignite his ODI career on home soil.
Zimbabwe ODI Squad:
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.