ZIMBABWE NEWS

Brendan Taylor makes Zimbabwe return

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Bright days lie ahead for Zimbabwe as former skipper Brendan Taylor will once again don the national colours © Getty

In what is fantastic news for Zimbabwe, former skipper Brendan Taylor has made himself available for selection for his country by signing a new contract with ZC (Zimbabwe Cricket). This was confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket on their twitter handle. Taylor who last played for Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup, could don the national colours in a couple of months time when Zimbabwe host West Indies in October for a two-match Test series.

In an official media release, ZC announced the re-signing of Brendan Taylor. "Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) is pleased to announce that following the end of his contract with and release from English county Nottinghamshire, ZC has formally contracted Brendan Taylor to play domestic and international cricket in and for Zimbabwe."

Taylor's comeback naturally elated Zimbabwe's head coach - Heath Streak who commented on the development, saying: "I am elated to have Brendan Taylor back in a Zimbabwe jersey. We welcome him back and we are looking forward to him making a big difference for us and spending the rest of his playing career in his country of birth."

Taylor went the Kolpak route after the 2015 World Cup signing a three-year deal with English County side Nottinghamshire. The 31-year-old Zimbabwean's contract was due to expire at the end of the 2017 season, but he was granted permission to end the contract with immediate effect.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Trent Bridge where I have made some fantastic friends among the dressing room and Club staff during the three seasons I have been here," Taylor, who was the club's first ever batsman to register centuries in his first two games, said on Thursday (September 14). "Winning two trophies for Notts in these past few months, including one at Lord's, has been a real highlight in my career, and given me moments that I will never forget.

"But being away from my wife and children has proven to be very difficult for me and I have reached a point in my life where I must consider their needs," he added.

Taylor and another Zimbabwean Kyle Jarvis took the Kolpak route as they were unhappy with the way that the game was being administered in Zimbabwe when they left, but improved governance under the tenure of ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has created confidence that better days are ahead. Also the appointments of former captains Heath Streak and Tatenda Taibu to key positions have brought stability to the playing group, while former ICC chief financial officer Faisal Hasnain has signed on as ZC managing director.

The ICC's decision to award the 2019 World Cup qualifying tournament to Zimbabwe also seems to have played a part in Taylor's decision to return home. Cricbuzz had earlier reported in July that one of Taylor or Jarvis were likely to return soon to the country to play internationally.

The 31-year old Taylor has represented Zimbabwe in 23 Tests, 167 ODIs and 25 T20Is before his move to Nottinghamshire.

© Cricbuzz

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