Kolkata: Former Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor is all set to represent his country once again after parted ways with English county side Nottinghamshire and made himself available for selection ahead of the two-match Test series against West Indies at home, which is slated to start in two months time.
After the 2015 World Cup, Taylor’s career took the Kolpak route as he signed a three-year deal with Nottinghamshire. His contract was set to expire later this year.
He said on Thursday, “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.”
He was also the first batsman in the club to score back-to-back centuries in his first two games.
“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,”
Zimbabwe Cricket, confirmed this development on their Twitter handle as they tweeted on Thursday, “@ZimCricketv is pleased to announce we have formally contracted @BrendanTaylor86 to play cricket in and for Zimbabwe #WelcomeBack.”
They announced Taylor’s return to Zimbabwe cricket in an official media release which read, “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.”
Other than beginning his new stint with Zimbabwe cricket, Taylor confirmed on Twitter that he wouldn’t leave again and would retire in the national colours.
He tweeted, “Just to clear the air,I am returning to represent my country again after 3 years and this time I plan to finish my career with @ZimCricketv.”
Zimbabwe head coach Heath Streak expressed his happiness at the news and said that they welcomed him back.
“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,” he said.
Taylor, along with fellow Zimbabwean cricketer Kyle Jarvis had decided to call it quits on playing for Zimbabwe as they were unhappy with the administration of the game in the country. But under the tenure of ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, times have changed and the governance too has improved, which might have led the former skipper to take this decision.
The involvement of former Zimbabwe captains-Heath Streak and Tatenda Taibu in the scheme of things also has led to the development of cricket in Zimbabwe.
Former ICC Chief Financial Officer Faisal Hasnain has also been roped by ZC as their managing director.
The 31-year-old Taylor, is a veteran of 23 Tests, 167 ODI’s and 25 T20I’s and his return to the team would be no less than a huge boost, keeping in mind that fact that the 2019 World Cup is not far away.