Brendan Taylor Returns to Zimbabwe Test Cricket After ICC Suspension

Harare, July 30 (PTI) — Brendan Taylor marks his return to the Zimbabwe Test cricket setup after enduring a suspension lasting three and a half years for violations of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping regulations.

The 39-year-old cricketer was sidelined in January 2022 for the delayed reporting of a 2019 spot-fixing approach orchestrated by an Indian businessman. Taylor rejoins the Zimbabwe squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which is slotted to take place from August 7 to 11 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Brendan Taylor had also faced a one-month suspension for failing a doping test, connected to his use of cocaine during the incident. The ban was enforced after he confessed to accepting a sum of USD 15,000 in 2019.

Prior to the ban, Taylor exhibited strong performance in red-ball cricket with notable scores of 92, 81, and 49 in his last three Test innings.

Just before the ICC's sanctions were imposed, Taylor revealed that he had been subjected to blackmail after naively consuming cocaine in a meeting with an Indian businessman.

Reflecting on his efforts leading to his rightful place back in the Zimbabwe squad, Taylor, as quoted by the ICC, said, "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. I've thoroughly enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space."

The opening Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is taking place in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe squad includes: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams, and Brendan Taylor.