Brendan Taylor Returns to Cricket After Serving Three-and-a-Half-Year Ban

Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is set to make his return to international cricket after completing a three-year, six-month ban. The experienced batter will be back in action for Zimbabwe in the second Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on August 7 in Bulawayo.

Taylor was banned by the ICC in January 2022 for violating the Anti-Corruption Code by failing to report a corrupt approach in time. He had admitted to being blackmailed with a video showing him using cocaine.

Zimbabwe Test captain Craig Ervine confirmed Taylor’s comeback, saying:

“He’ll be part of the squad for the second Test. I know how hard he’s worked over the past 8 to 12 months to get back. His experience and mentality will be a huge asset to the team.”

Now 39 years old, Taylor had announced his sudden retirement in September 2021, and during the ban, he was not allowed to train with any domestic or national team. However, he maintained his fitness by using facilities at a private school in Harare. In a recent interview, he said:

“I’m fitter than ever. I’ve overcome my addiction to drugs and alcohol.”

Taylor has played 34 Tests, scoring six centuries at an average of 36.25. One of his most memorable innings was an unbeaten 105 in Zimbabwe’s comeback Test against Bangladesh in 2011.

Zimbabwe’s squad for the New Zealand Test series already includes wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga, so Taylor’s inclusion may require a shuffle in the batting lineup—likely at his usual No. 4 position.

His return comes at a busy time for Zimbabwe’s Test calendar. The team has already played seven Tests this year, winning just one. Four more Tests remain—two each against New Zealand and Afghanistan—followed by the T20 World Cup qualifiers in September.

While Taylor is not currently in consideration for the T20 squad, he could be included in the ODI setup, especially with Zimbabwe co-hosting the 2027 ICC World Cup, making him a potential part of long-term plans.