ZIM vs NZ 2025: Zimbabwe add Brendan Taylor to squad for second Test. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Zimbabwe have named an addition to their squad for the ongoing series against New Zealand by including Brendan Taylor to the roster, who will be eligible to take part for the second and final Test. Taylor is making a comeback after 2021 after he had announced his abrupt retirement (for the second time) from all formats of international cricket.
Shortly after, Taylor was found guilty of being involved in an ICC anti-corruption breach, where it was confirmed that he failed to report an Indian businessman who had blackmailed him to lead the cricketer into spot-fixing. The report regarding the incident came in 2022, and the cricketer was said to have received cash and gifts from the businessman, after the latter had filmed him while consuming cocaine.
Pinching myself to realize I’m actually here: Taylor
Found guilty of the offence, Taylor had then served a three-and-a-half year’s ban from playing international cricket, which got lifted on Friday, July 25. Now after his name was added to the Zimbabwean squad, Taylor has opened up on the journey and what it took for him to stay away from the game he loves the most. The 39-year-old feels to be in a wonderful space currently, and also feels fitter enough to hit the ground running for the second Test, which gets underway on August 7.
“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. 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. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space,” Taylor said on his emotional comeback as quoted by ZC.
Zimbabwe Updated Squad for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
Craig Ervine, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Tafadzwa Tziga, Roy Kaia, Cilve Madande, Tannurwa Makoni, Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tanaka Chivanag, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa and Brendan Taylor
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