adminmatch against Australia A that begins at Harare Sports Club tomorrow.
Zimbabwe XI trail the series 1-0 after losing the first match by seven wickets at Country Club on Monday.
But they are hoping to strengthen their batting line-up by adding the experienced duo.
Taylor was rested last week to enable him to recover from a shoulder injury while Taibu has been on the sidelines nursing a thumb injury.
The Zimbabwe wicketkeeper/batsman will be hoping to make his first match after missing the first four-day game and the triangular series against Australia A and South Africa A which was played early in the month.
Chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell said they were banking on Taibu’s return to full fitness.
He said the wicketkeeper’s condition will be assessed this afternoon to determine if he would be able to play as the home side hopes to put a better show and save the series.
The Zimbabwe camp had been affected by injuries to key players, who also include Graeme Cremer, Greg Lamb, Ray Price and Terry Duffin.
“We were missing quite a number of our frontline players. We hope to see them in the next game and put a better show.
“Hopefully Taylor plays the next game and Taibu as well.
“That will definitely add strength to our batting, with both Taibu and Taylor coming in the team. We are going to assess him (Taibu) on Wednesday (today) afternoon,” said Campbell.
He said Zimbabwe XI will do their homework and are determined to turn on a good show against the tourists in the second match.
Batsmen Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza and skipper Vusimuzi Sibanda were outstanding for the hosts while rookie left arm fast bowler Brian Vitori also did well to finish with five wickets.
Campbell said he was particularly impressed by Chigumbura’s return to form but reckoned that other players needed to step up their game, especially with the Bangladesh tour approaching.
Taibu’s inclusion might be good for Zimbabwe’s middle order, which has been struggling to score against the Australian bowlers.
“That will definitely add strength to our batting but it must be remembered that the guys who came in (the first match) have been scoring some runs.
“We needed this sort of performances from Elton last year, didn’t we?
“And that’s the sort of all-rounder he is. He has got his bowling much better and Hamilton as well has raised his game.
“Right now we have got our key players starting to show some good form and that is positive development. The youngsters have been coming through and as I’ve said Vitori has done well.
“We mustn’t forget that these guys (Australia) have some serious cricketers. Vitori has been outstanding in the first game.
“To get four wickets against the Australians and another one in the second innings was commendable,” said Campbell.
The boss of the selectors said there were a number of positives to take into the next game for Zimbabwe.
“Yes there are areas we need to improve but, by and large, to finish the first match right close to the end of the fourth day is a commendable performance and we look back to the first innings that we did not do well enough.
“We are looking forward to the second game, bearing in mind that Taylor wasn’t there, Taibu wasn’t there, Cremer is injured, Duffin is injured as well.
“Lamb is injured. We have got plenty of injuries,” said Campbell.
Online Reporter