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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
WHEN Brendan Taylor scored a century against Nepal at Queens Sports Club on Sunday, it probably escaped many that this was his third straight ton in a World Cup match for his country. It’s a mark of how priceless he has become for his nation that, more often than not, he is likely to deliver for his country in the big games, especially those that have the World Cup tag to their name.
Taylor, who quit international cricket for a stint with the English county game just after the last ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2015, is back in the colours of his country. Taylor revealed recently that his decision to leave, in the first place, was a very difficult one.
‘‘It was always difficult to leave in the beginning and do my three years in England,’’ he told Cricbuzz.
‘‘But I always knew at the back of my mind that I wanted to return to Zimbabwean cricket. I am 31 years old now and still got some years left in me. But England helped me in many ways.
‘‘I have just tried to return to Zimbabwe team and put into practice what I have learnt there. Hopefully, I can contribute in many ways.
‘‘I knew (in) June last year that I was coming and it only came out in the newspaper September last year.
‘‘It is nice to see people in the country are happy and hopefully there is some nice direction for them. There is job opportunity and country turns the economy around but in terms of playing for Zimbabwean cricket, I have got some good friends and spent some nice time and it’s good to be back there.
‘‘For the last two years, Zimbabwe cricket has really come back with a new managing director and chairman (of selectors) Tatenda Taibu, who is giving a lot of emphasis on trying to develop the junior system and that is absolutely crucial for the growth of Zimbabwe cricket.
‘‘Before that there was a little bit of worry for us as they got little bit neglected. Under-19s are struggling in the World Cup but with more guidance and investment, they can play a big part in Zimbabwe cricket.’’
He scored exactly 100 in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier opener against Nepal and his knock appeared to be overshadowed by man-of-the-match Sikandar Raza’s century and three wickets. But it was a milestone knock given it was his third straight century for his country in a World Cup match.
His first came exactly three years ago, to this day, when on March 7, 2015, he scored a century for the Chevrons in a losing cause against the Irish in Hobart, Australia.
Taylor scored 121 off 91 balls, made up of 11 fours and four sixes, before he perished in the hands of Kevin O’Brien off the bowling of Alex Cosack.
Ireland, having scored 326 all out, hung on for a five-run win.
Sean Williams provided the supporting act for Taylor that day with his 96.
In his next match, Taylor scored another century against powerhouse India at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. He struck 15 fours and five sixes as Zimbabwe compiled 287 in 48.5 overs with Taylor having arrived at the crease with the Chevrons in all sorts of turmoil at 33-3 with Chamu Chibhabha (7), Hamilton Masakadza (2) and Solomon Mire (9) falling cheaply.
Williams again provided good partnership for Taylor as he scored 50 to take Zimbabwe to 126-4 when he fell.
Taylor remained around to complete his century in what was a classy knock against the firing Indian attack.
On Sunday, he made it three centuries in a row for his country in a match that has World Cup interests.
Online Reporter