39-year-old Brendan Taylor is all set to come back to international cricket after a three-year hiatus during the upcoming second Test against New Zealand, beginning on August 7 in Bulawayo. It was in 2021 that Taylor had retired abruptly and copped a three and a half year ban in 2022 for not reporting an alleged corrupt approach.
At 34, the right-handed batter had decided to call it quits from the highest level, having played 34 Tests, 205 ODIs and 45 T20Is. In January 22, the veteran batter had admitted that the ICC is about to impose a one-year ban on him due to failing to report a corrupt a approach. It was in October 2019 that Taylor had met an Indian businessman and revealed substance abuse having taken place during the course of that.
A report of ESPN Cricinfo stated:
"We had drinks and during the course of the evening they openly offered me cocaine, which they themselves engaged in, and I foolishly took the bait. The men he had met, Taylor said, stormed into his hotel room the next day, and threatened to release video of the substance abuse unless he carried out spot-fixing for them. He was given USD 15,000 - which he said he took to flee India - and told it was a deposit for a future payment once the fix was carried out."
Since the 39-year-old tested positive for Cocaine, he also copped a charge for failing the drug test. Zimbabwe will be thrilled to have the services of an attacking player like Taylor, who has 2320 Test runs in 34 games at 36.25.
"I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I'm actually here" - Brendan Taylor
With the Harare-born cricketer invited to train with the fellow cricketers ahead of the second Test, Taylor said he didn't think he would play for Zimbabwe again. As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, he had said:
"I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am - and it's an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I'm actually here. I've been soaking it all up and embracing every moment. It's just been a really nice integration. The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return."
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's batting struggles have been laid bare in the ongoing first Test against the Kiwis as they have been bowled out for 149 on Day 1.
