Zimbabwe Legend Set to Make International Comeback After More than 3 Years

After a crushing 2-0 defeat against South Africa in a recently played two-match Test series, Zimbabwe are set to play another two-match Test series. This time, the opponent will be New Zealand, and the first Test is scheduled to take place in Bulawayo on July 30.

Zimbabwe's squad for the series has already started a lot of debates, with several big names in it. However, the biggest and the most surprising name is Brendan Taylor. While Taylor hasn't been included in the squad yet, it is believed that he will be included soon. His inclusion will give a big boost to Zimbabwe for this highly-awaited series.

Brendan Taylor Zimbabwe Return

Brendan Taylor hasn't been picked in the Zimbabwe squad yet due tot his ban for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code. The 3.5-year-ban is set to end on July 25. He is likely to be added added into the squad once his ban ends on Saturday, which is five days before the first Test. After a horrible performance against South Africa, Zimbabwe would need a player like Taylor who can turn things around for his team.

Taylor’s story has been nothing but a rollercoaster. A player who was once seen as the backbone of the Zimbabwean cricket team saw a dark phase in his career in 2022. After admitting to a drug and alcohol addiction problem at the same time, Taylor delayed the reporting of a corrupt approach. Subsequently, he was handed a 3.5-year suspension that left a noticeable void in the squad. But now, as the ban is about to be over, he’s all set to return. And this redemption can be an inspiration for ages.

Brendan Taylor comeback isn’t just important for him; it’s also crucial for the Zimbabwean team. The team has played eight Test matches since December and won only a single Test, which came against Bangladesh in Sylhet. They drew one Test against Ireland in December while suffering defeat in the rest of the six Tests. The squad lacked consistency right now, however, as Taylor is set to return, they will receive a huge boost.

Zimbabwe Squad for New Zealand Tests

There have been a few changes in the squad as Ben Curran is back in the squad after recovering from a fractured hand that he sustained during a warm-up Test against South Africa. Their star all-rounder Sikandar Raza is also back in the squad after missing out on the Test series against South Africa due to MLC commitments. Alongside him, Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni are also back in the squad.

Craig Ervine will continue to lead the squad. Also, the presence of Sean Williams is also going to be very crucial for the team, as he was the one who showed true potential during the South Africa Test series. He smashed a century in the first Test while also playing a crucial knock in the second Test. However, nothing could save the Zimbabwean team from getting a loss. Blessing Muzarabani will be seen leading the pace attack again for the team. And as Raza is back, the spin attack is also looking strong now. Notably, the upcoming Test series will not be part of the World Test Championship Cycle. Here is the full Zimbabwe squad for New Zealand Tests:

Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande (wk), Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams