daniel chigunwe
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRENDAN Taylor has set his sights on a sensational return to international cricket when his ban comes to an end in July.
Taylor was slapped with a three-and-half year ban by the International Cricket Council for a breach of anti-corruption rules in 2022.
The ban is set to expire in July and Taylor has revealed his desire for another dance with the Chevrons.
“I definitely want to target the 2027 World Cup.
“It is a realistic goal and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there, God willing,” said Taylor.
Taylor revealed that he has been in contact with the Zimbabwe Cricket managing director, Givemore Makoni. on his intended comeback onto the local cricket scene.
At 38, Taylor had hinted that his intended return was focused on the coaching path, something which was turned down by Makoni.
“I have been in conversation with Mr Makoni, the MD, a-year-and-a-half ago, and we were on the same page back then about a return to cricket.
“I sort of came in from a coaching perspective, with a slight open-mindedness to playing again.
“He (Makoni) promptly shut me down, saying, coaching you can do until you’re 50 or 60 years old and I said, that’s absolutely a valid point.
“Do you have anything left to offer Zimbabwe cricket? I said, ‘absolutely.’”
Taylor announced his retirement from international cricket in 2021, having featured for the Chevrons in 34 Tests, 205 one-day internationals and 45 T20s and is looking forward to another dance in the national team colors.
He revealed that he has been putting in more time in training sessions.
“With the mindset I have right now and living a sober, happy life, a productive life, I have been quietly training for a long period of time now.
“I am going to make sure that I am as ready as I have ever been; I was always a very meticulous trainer for Zimbabwe cricket.
“I put in many, many hours. I’m very honed in on my training. I’m training very specifically.
“I am putting in double sessions. I really am embracing the second chance at my career. That’s something that’s been so dear to me for so long,” said Taylor.
