Brendan Taylor Set for Remarkable Return to International Cricket

After serving a three-and-a-half-year suspension for violating the ICC's anti-corruption code, former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is on the brink of returning to international cricket. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Taylor is expected to play in Zimbabwe's squad for the second Test against New Zealand, starting on August 7 in Bulawayo.

According to Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine, Taylor has shown remarkable dedication to reviving his cricket career, particularly in recent months. "He'll obviously be available for the second Test," Ervine confirmed, expressing his enthusiasm for Taylor's return and potential contributions to the team.

Taylor has been preparing intensely, utilizing training facilities at a private school in Harare after being kept away from national teams. His return is seen as a chance to atone for past missteps, after failing to report a match-fixing approach that spiraled into blackmail linked to cocaine use. Although unlikely to play T20s, Taylor could impact Zimbabwe's ODI plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

(With inputs from agencies.)