Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO is buzzing as Zimbabwe’s legendary batter Brendan Taylor is poised for a dramatic return to the national team when the Chevrons face New Zealand in a two-match Test series at Queens Sports Club next week.
The 39-year-old run machine, who has been serving a three and a half year suspension for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code, will officially complete his ban this Saturday, just in time for a potential selection shock.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that Taylor is being seriously considered for the second Test scheduled for August 7 to 11, a move that would mark a stunning twist in Zimbabwe’s red-ball revival.
Once eyeing a quiet transition into coaching, Taylor was reportedly convinced to pad up again by none other than Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani and Managing Director Givemore Makoni, who both believe he still has gas left in the tank.
And the numbers back them up.
Taylor is Zimbabwe’s third all-time leading run scorer across formats with a mammoth 9 938 runs, sitting just behind the iconic Flower brothers Andy and Grant. He also holds the national record for most centuries, with 17 to his name.
In Test cricket, Taylor sits fourth on the all-time list with 2 320 runs at an average of 36.25. He boasts six centuries, joint second most for Zimbabwe, and 12 fifties.
His experience, hunger and big-game mentality could be exactly what Zimbabwe needs as they gear up to battle the Black Caps.
With the cricket world watching and Queens Sports Club ready to erupt, all eyes will be on the selectors and one familiar name — BT.
The comeback is real.
derick.khumalo