Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHILE Zimbabwe’s bowlers are currently enduring a tough time against England, one of cricket’s heavyweights, the potential return of Brendan Taylor offers a crucial glimmer of hope for the Chevrons to truly go toe to toe against high-scoring opposition.
Taylor, who was banned for breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption code in 2022 due to delaying the report of a match-fixing approach and admitting to drug use, has unequivocally expressed his desire to give back to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) once his three-and-a-half-year sanction concludes in July.
At 39, Taylor’s invaluable experience and proven ability to score heavily, even against elite attacks, could be precisely what Zimbabwe needs to build formidable totals or chase down imposing targets.
He possesses the temperament and skill to anchor an innings and accelerate scoring, qualities often essential when facing sides that consistently post monumental scores. ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni himself has encouraged Taylor to resume his playing career, believing he can still make a significant positive impact within the team.
ZC has explicitly requested Taylor’s return, with his ban lifting on July 31. This makes him eligible for the second Test against New Zealand (7-11 August) at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, and later events including the T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier and Afghanistan home series.
Despite his absence, the 39-year-old claims peak mental and physical condition. His unparalleled middle order experience is seen as vital for Zimbabwe to challenge and match the scoring prowess of top cricketing nations.
“I am living good, clean and healthy. I am 85kg now, and I probably played my whole career around 105kgs. The phenomenon of craving left me long ago. Now it’s just my behaviour I work on. If any of the old things pop up, which they occasionally do, I do an inventory on that. And you actually have to do it every day. Yesterday’s shower will not keep me clean for today. Every 24 hours, it’s about getting back onto my programme and having spiritual fitness,” said Taylor.
Taylor doesn’t expect an automatic return to the Chevrons, believing his past experiences, rather than just physical attributes, will be his greatest asset in leaving a positive impact on the team.
“My ego got absolutely smashed three-and-a-half years ago. I am definitely not expecting to walk back into the team. It’s about what I can do for Zimbabwe Cricket. If I come back and I do okay personally, that’s a bonus, but for me, it’s about impacting the group as best as I can. I just want to fly under the radar, put an arm around someone and say, I have got your back and I am willing to help you. That’s the beautiful thing about your past becoming your greatest asset, because I can actually help someone,” said Taylor.
Having recovered from drug and alcohol addiction, Taylor expressed sympathy for those struggling with similar issues, acknowledging that many are battling numerous personal challenges.
“I have sympathy for people who turn to alcohol or drugs, because we don’t know their background, family dynamics, their relationships or what they are dealing with in life. What people tend to do is use a substance to numb pain that they’re dealing with. I will never judge,” he said.
@brandon_malvin
