Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRENDAN TAYLOR looks to have made a full recovery as the Zimbabwe wicketkeeper/batter could be seen jumping up and down like he was 20-year-old again at the Chevrons training at Takashinga Cricket Club.
The 40-year-old is part of the Chevrons’ extended training squad as Zimbabwe prepare to host Bangladesh in bilateral series that includes a one-off Test, three One Day Internationals and three T20 matches.
The series is slated for June 28-July 19.
“Yeah, preparations have been unbelievable and I feel truly blessed to be back and feeling good again,” said Taylor.
“It has been a intense couple of weeks and boys have responded well.
“I can safely, we are peaking at just the right time,” he said.
Taylor, of course, has been sidelined since the T20 World Cup where he aggravated an old hamstring injury.
The injury occurred during Zimbabwe’s group stage victory over Oman, a match that had already showcased Taylor’s class and resilience.
Coming in amid a wobble in the Zimbabwean batting order, Taylor steadied the ship with a composed 31 off 30 balls, forging a crucial 68-run partnership with Brian Bennett. However, as he pushed for a quick single, Taylor visibly struggled while running between the wickets and was forced to retire hurt, limping off the field.
The blow is particularly bitter given Taylor’s recent renaissance in international cricket. After a four-year hiatus, he returned to the Zimbabwean squad in 2025, quickly re-establishing himself as a vital cog in the line-up.
Over 13 T20I matches last year, Taylor amassed 251 runs, including his maiden T20I century — a testament to his enduring talent and commitment.
“Rehab went well,” he said.
“I am very thankful for the time I had away as it allowed me to work on my body and try get some of that strength back.
“Now, all that is left is to work on the technical aspects of the game and be ready for Bangladesh,” he said.
Zimbabwe Cricket have roped in former South Africa first-class cricketer Quinton Friend to work with the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team as a consultant bowling coach ahead of the Bangladesh’s visit.
The bowling department has been the focal point of the preparations with Taylor impressed with how short a time it has taken for Friend assimilate himself with the group.
“Since I am not a bowler, I have only had a couple of conversations with Quinton here and there,” he said.
“However, I have been impressed with our all the bowlers seem to have gravitated towards, absorbing as much as they can.
“He has been a great addition,” said Taylor.
Friend along with Chevrons coach Justin Sammons and his technical team have been overseeing a large group of 35 players, who include the core Chevrons group and Zimbabwe A players.
“It has been great to spent time with some of the guys who we would normally not spend a lot of time with as there are mostly fringe players,” said the Zimbabwe wicketkeeper/batter.
“Seeing their enthusiasm and great talent has been great.
“There are the future of Zimbabwe cricket and so having them with us has been good and very rewarding,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Chevrons appear to have turned a corner after their fairytale run during the ICC T20 World Cup and a lot is riding on the upcoming Bangladesh series if the team is to maintain their momentum.
Bangladesh presents quite the challenge for the Chevrons will be tested on all fronts, namely Test, One Day Internationals and T20 cricket. It will also be Taylor’s first match against the Asians since his return but the 40-year-old is not reading too much into that.
“Yes, this will be my first match against Bangladesh since my return,” he said.
“The way I see it is that it doesn’t matter the opposition, representing my country well is what matters.
“They are a good quality side and we will have to be at our best to win.
“Hopefully, we will be able to prepare a wicket similar to that one we had against Afghanistan.
“If that happens, I am sure we will be able to adapt easier and that should give the edge,” he said.
