ZIM vs NZ | Skipper Ervine confirms Taylor's availability for second Test after completion of ban

Zimbabwe are set for the return of Brendan Taylor, their third highest run-getter of all time across formats, to the international arena for the first time since 2021 after a three and a half year ban imposed on him by the International Cricket Council lapsed recently. The 39-year-old featured in 274 games for the Chevrons before announcing sudden retirement in 2021, which he later attributed to drug abuse and a consequent failed test. A few months later, Taylor further revealed he had failed to promptly inform the authorities about a match-fixing approach that involved cocaine as a lure, and was forbidden from all cricket for the same till July 25, 2025.

Taylor underwent drug and alcohol rehabilitation following retirement and was inclined towards a move in coaching once the ban ended. However, Zimbabwe Cricket's Managing Director Givemore Makoni convinced the veteran to rescind his retirement until the 2027 ODI World Cup set to be played at home. The right-hand batter was initially not named in the squad to face the Kiwis, albeit the ban was still active at the time of the announcement, and is expected to slot straight back into the line-up at his traditional number four spot currently occupied by Sean Williams who is likely to move lower down the batting order.