Online Reporter
By B-Metro Reporter
HE’S BACK in the whites! Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine has confirmed that veteran batter Brendan Taylor is officially part of the Test squad and will make his long-awaited return in the second Test match against New Zealand.
Taylor, now 39, has been training with the national team in Bulawayo after serving a three-and-a-half-year suspension for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code. His ban ended on Saturday.
“He will be available for the second Test,” said Ervine. “I know how hard he has worked in the last eight to 12 months to get to this point. He brings a wealth of experience and we’re excited to have him back.”
Taylor was spotted during Monday’s training session at Queens Sports Club, going through wicket-keeping drills before heading into the nets.
The Chevrons camp has also been boosted by the return of Sikandar Raza, Ben Curran and Brian Bennett, who was ruled out of the previous series due to concussion.
But it’s Taylor’s comeback that’s dominating headlines. The former skipper was once the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s Test middle order, and fans are eager to see if he still has the magic touch.
Meanwhile, opponents New Zealand have been dealt a blow with captain Tom Latham ruled out of the first Test due to a shoulder injury.
Mitch Santner will take the reins in Latham’s absence, becoming New Zealand’s 32nd men’s Test captain.
“It’s a new feeling. Tom has done a great job but I’m honoured to step in. We still have a strong side,” said Santner.
Glenn Phillips is also out for the opening match, piling more pressure on the Black Caps ahead of the Wednesday clash.
The first Test starts at 10AM at Queens Sports Club, with all eyes now on the build-up to a fiery second Test return for Zimbabwe’s prodigal son.
Taylor’s redemption arc is loading. Will he rise or fall?
derick.khumalo