Veteran Zimbabwean cricketer Brendan Taylor has been recalled to the national Test squad after several years away. Following a three-and-a-half-year ban, Taylor, 39, is set to play in the ongoing second and final Test against New Zealand.
In January 2022, the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended him for breaching anti-corruption regulations.Brendan Taylor was accused of accepting $15,000 from Indian businessmen in 2019, who allegedly encouraged him to fix matches.
Although he admitted to receiving the money, Brendan Taylor denied any involvement in match-fixing. Additionally, he faced a doping violation after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.
Brendon Taylor Makes Test Comeback After 1289 Days
Brendon Taylor has returned to Test cricket after a gap of 1289 days, being named in Zimbabwe’s XI for the ongoing second Test against New Zealand, which began on August 7, 2025, in Bulawayo. Taylor replaced opener Ben Curran as one of two changes in the side, with Trevor Gwandu coming in for pacer Newman Nyamhuri.
Zimbabwe, struggling on a six-match losing streak and facing challenges with their batting lineup, promoted Taylor to open the innings instead of his usual No. 4 spot.
Brendan Taylor comeback is historic. Having made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Harare back in 2004, he is now the longest-serving active Test debutant in international cricket.
In an emotional interview, Taylor reflected on his journey:
“How incredible is it that three years ago, I couldn’t even get out of bed, and now I’m here doing what I love—representing Zimbabwe? Dealing with the sanctions and my own internal struggles was overwhelming. There wasn’t just one bad day, but many. I was in the darkest place, trying to survive the total and incomprehensible demoralization of life. It was incredibly tough.”
Due to the terms of his suspension, Brendan Taylor was barred from participating in official cricket. During this period, he set up a coaching facility at his home, preparing for a future off the field.
Zimbabwe Cricket’s Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, encouraged Brendan Taylor to make a comeback with the 2027 World Cup in sight. After years of reflection and perseverance,Brendan Taylor is now ready to give his all for his country once again.