“Mentally Stronger Than Ever” – Brendan Taylor Returns to Zimbabwe After 3.5-Year Ban

Brendan Taylor Returns to Zimbabwe Squad After 3.5-Year Suspension: Brendan Taylor, one of Zimbabwe’s best-loved cricketers, has made a heartfelt comeback to the national Test team after serving a three-and-a-half year suspension for breaking ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping codes.

The 39-year-old has been named in the Zimbabwe squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which is taking place from August 7 – 11 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Brendan Taylor Returns to Zimbabwe Why Was he Banned?

Taylor got a ban in January 2022 because he didn’t tell anyone about a spot-fixing offer back in 2019. He confessed that he took $15,000 from an Indian businessman when he was visiting India. Also, he tested positive for cocaine. That got him a one-month suspension for doping, on top of the corruption charge.

He eventually told the ICC about what happened, but because he waited so long, he got a pretty serious punishment. Before the ban, Taylor came out and told his side of the story, saying he was blackmailed after he stupidly took cocaine at that meeting.

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Taylor’s Emotional Comeback: “I Feel Mentally Stronger”

Speaking to the ICC, Taylor reflected on his long road to redemption and the effort it took to return to the top level.

“The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return,” he said.
“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.”

He added that he enjoyed the process of rebuilding himself both personally and professionally.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space.”

Taylor’s Form Before the Ban

Before his suspension, Brendan Taylor was in great red-ball form, scoring 92, 81, and 49 in his last three Test innings. His experience and skill will be a big boost for Zimbabwe as they try to recover in the ongoing series against New Zealand.

The first Test is currently happening in Bulawayo, and adding Taylor to the second Test lineup gives the team much-needed strength and veteran leadership.

Zimbabwe’s squad for 2nd Test against New Zealand

Zimbabwe has now unveiled the squad for the second Test:

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, Brendan Taylor.

With a blend of youth and experience, the team features players Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, and Brendan Taylor at its core. Brendan Taylor Returns to Zimbabwe Give them boost.