Brendan Taylor’s three-and-a-half-year suspension is over and, barring late fitness concerns, the 39-year-old is expected to slot straight into Zimbabwe’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand, starting 7 August in Bulawayo.
Captain Craig Ervine confirmed the news in plain terms. “He’ll obviously be available for the second Test,” he said, before adding: “But I also 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.”
The facts first
• Taylor’s ICC ban, imposed for failing to report a corrupt approach, expired on 25 July.
• He has not played top-flight cricket since his abrupt retirement in September 2021.
• Zimbabwe named a 16-man squad for the two-match series; Taylor is now likely to be added.
• The second Test is at Queens Sports Club, where Taylor scored 171 the last time New Zealand toured.
Why Zimbabwe want him
Taylor’s Test average of 36.25, built over 34 matches, puts him among the country’s most reliable run-scorers. Six centuries – one of them an unbeaten 105 in Zimbabwe’s 2011 comeback Test – underline both quality and appetite for long innings. Slotting him back at No. 4 would nudge Sean Williams and others down a rung, lengthening the batting without sacrificing experience. The juggling act, as ever with Zimbabwe, will be in the bowling balance; an extra seamer or spinner could be sacrificed to accommodate the strengthened middle order.
Fitness and form
The ban prevented Taylor from training with national or provincial squads, yet he has been a regular at an independent school’s facilities in Harare. Earlier this year he spoke candidly about working through drug and alcohol rehabilitation, noting he felt “fitter than ever before”. Independent observers say his batting rhythm looks intact, though match fitness after such a lay-off remains an unknown.
Motivation
Speaking in March, Taylor made clear he did not expect a free pass back into the XI. “I’ve been humbled properly,” he admitted. “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.” Those close to the side suggest that attitude has resonated, particularly with younger players who have shouldered extra responsibility during Zimbabwe’s hectic 2025 schedule.
Context for Zimbabwe
This will already be their eighth Test of the calendar year – an unusually heavy load – with just one win so far. Two further matches against Afghanistan follow after the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in September, so any boost to batting depth is welcome. For now, Taylor is not in the T20 conversation and only tentatively in one-day plans, though coaches are mindful of the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Expert view
Former selector Walter Chawaguta feels the timing is right. “It’s not only about sentiment,” he said. “Zimbabwe have fought hard but lacked experience in crucial sessions. Taylor’s presence could steady those periods, provided expectations stay realistic.” Analyst Lisa Cole agrees but cautions against seeing him as a fix-all. “Three years out is significant. He’ll need patience from supporters—and himself.”
Human element
Taylor’s return will stir mixed emotions. Many in Zimbabwean cricket remember the frustration when details of the failed report and subsequent blackmail attempt emerged. Equally, there is respect for the public way he owned his mistakes and sought rehabilitation. The locker-room mood, by most accounts, is more curious than sceptical; players know that, at his best, Taylor can still change games.
Looking ahead
Selectors are expected to finalise the Bulawayo squad after the first Test concludes. If Taylor comes through the final fitness checks, he will almost certainly pull on a Zimbabwe shirt again. What follows is up to form, fitness and a bit of luck—cricket rarely offers guarantees—but both team-mates and supporters appear willing to watch the next chapter unfold.
