After returning from suspension and breaking his retirement just a month ago, experienced wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has been included in Zimbabwe’s squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Taylor, who recently revived his career with a Test comeback, now has the chance to give it more momentum. Zimbabwe named the 37-year-old in their 16-man squad on Monday for the two-match home ODI series. Also making the squad is 32-year-old pacer Ernest Masuku, who is awaiting his international debut.
Taylor had announced his shock retirement from international cricket in September 2021 after an ODI series against Ireland in Belfast. Soon after, speculation swirled around his exit. Four months later, Taylor revealed he faced serious sanctions for violating multiple clauses of the ICC’s anti-corruption code. He also admitted to failing a drug test. Just three days later, the ICC officially banned him for three and a half years.
That suspension ended last month, and shortly after, Taylor announced his return to international cricket. Earlier this month, he marked his comeback by representing Zimbabwe in the second Test against New Zealand.
Taylor’s inclusion in the ODI squad was widely expected. Zimbabwe Cricket management, led by managing director Givemore Makoni, wants him available for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil.
Masuku, meanwhile, is still awaiting his first international appearance but has played 53 List A matches, taking 89 wickets, including five five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls.
Zimbabwe last played an ODI series in February against Ireland. Since then, their form has been dismal, suffering heavy defeats in back-to-back Test series against South Africa and New Zealand, followed by a winless tri-nation T20I series involving the same two teams.
The two ODIs against Sri Lanka are scheduled for August 29 and 31, followed by a three-match T20I series on September 3, 6, and 7.
Zimbabwe ODI Squad
Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Jonathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wesley Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.
