Brendan Taylor, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter and former captain of Zimbabwe, is set for a remarkable return to One-Day International (ODI) cricket after a four-year absence, as Zimbabwe prepares to face Sri Lanka in a two-match series in Harare on August 29 and August 31, 2025. Taylor’s comeback marks a significant chapter not only for the player himself but also for Zimbabwean cricket, which has struggled to find consistency and form over the past year.
Taylor’s journey back to the international stage has been anything but straightforward. His last ODI appearance dates back to September 2021, when he played against Ireland in Belfast. Shortly after, he announced his international retirement, only to be handed a three-and-a-half-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption and doping-related offenses. The ban, which stemmed from Taylor’s failure to report a corrupt approach and subsequent revelations about his struggles with substance abuse, kept him out of all forms of international cricket until earlier this month.
His return began with a spot in Zimbabwe’s Test side, where he featured in the second match against New Zealand in Bulawayo. Although Taylor managed scores of 44 and 7 in his two innings, his efforts weren’t enough to prevent a heavy defeat to the BlackCaps. Nevertheless, his presence in the squad was seen as a major boost, with selectors and fans alike hoping that his experience and steady hand could help reverse the team’s recent fortunes.
Zimbabwe’s convener of selectors, David Mutendera, expressed his enthusiasm about Taylor’s reinstatement, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold. His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room.” These sentiments were echoed by Zimbabwe Cricket’s Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, who played a pivotal role in convincing Taylor to return as a player, particularly with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon.
During his ban, Taylor focused on rehabilitation and even established a coaching facility at his home, aiming to stay connected to the sport. However, the lure of representing Zimbabwe at the highest level once again—and the opportunity to mentor a new generation of cricketers—proved too strong to resist.
The squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka reflects a blend of experience and fresh talent. Craig Ervine continues to lead the side, with seasoned campaigners like Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams providing stability. The return of fit-again pacemen Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani is a significant boost, strengthening Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. New faces such as Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, and uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku have also been included, offering a glimpse into the future of Zimbabwean cricket.
“This squad has been selected to give us the best chance against a strong Sri Lankan side,” Mutendera explained. “We have combined proven match-winners with players who are hungry to make their mark, and that mix of experience and energy will be crucial as we transition from red-ball cricket to the fast pace of ODIs.”
Head coach Justin Sammons, who has overseen a challenging period for Zimbabwe cricket, emphasized the importance of adaptability and clarity. “We’ve just come off a tough red-ball series and now it’s about adjusting to the tempo and intensity of one-day cricket. Clarity in roles will be key—each player must understand exactly what’s required. Get that right, and I believe we can compete strongly against a very disciplined Sri Lankan outfit.”
Zimbabwe’s recent form, however, leaves much to be desired. The team has endured a string of disappointing results, including comprehensive defeats in home Test series against both South Africa and New Zealand, as well as a winless run in T20I tri-series involving the same opponents. Their last taste of ODI action came in February 2025, when they hosted Ireland for a three-match series, making the upcoming contests against Sri Lanka a crucial opportunity to reset and rebuild confidence.
For Taylor, the statistics speak volumes about his enduring quality. Over the course of 205 ODIs, he has amassed 6,684 runs at an average of 35.55, including 39 half-centuries and 11 centuries. His highest score—an unbeaten 145—remains one of the standout performances in Zimbabwean cricket history. Behind the stumps, Taylor has contributed 29 stumpings and 133 catches, underscoring his all-round value to the team. In addition, he has featured in 45 T20Is (scoring 934 runs) and 35 Tests (2,371 runs), further cementing his legacy as one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished cricketers.
The broader context of Taylor’s return cannot be ignored. His ban and subsequent redemption arc have been closely followed by cricket fans worldwide. In early 2022, Taylor revealed that he had been approached by fixers who threatened to expose his drug addiction if he did not comply with their demands. Rather than succumb, Taylor chose to retire and enter rehabilitation, later cooperating with the ICC during their investigation. His honesty and willingness to confront his struggles head-on have earned him respect, even as his actions served as a cautionary tale for others in the sport.
As Zimbabwe gears up for their ODI showdown with Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on Taylor—not just for his on-field contributions, but for the leadership and perspective he brings to a team in transition. The Chevrons, as Zimbabwe’s cricket team is affectionately known, have a proud history of punching above their weight on the international stage, and Taylor’s return could provide the spark needed to inspire a new era of success.
With a squad that balances the wisdom of veterans and the hunger of emerging stars, Zimbabwe’s selectors have signaled their intent to compete fiercely against Sri Lanka. The two-match series, followed by a three-game T20I contest in early September, offers a timely platform for players to stake their claim ahead of future global tournaments.
As the first ball is set to be bowled in Harare on August 29, anticipation is running high. Can Taylor’s comeback galvanize Zimbabwe and help them turn the tide after a tough year? One thing’s for sure—cricket fans across the globe will be watching closely, eager to see how this latest chapter in Zimbabwean cricket unfolds.
For now, the focus remains on preparation, team cohesion, and the hope that experience, resilience, and a dash of Taylor’s trademark flair can make all the difference when Zimbabwe faces a formidable Sri Lankan side later this week.
