Overview:
Taylor also revealed that he had used cocaine while in India, claiming that he was later blackmailed into spot-fixing, although he denied being involved in any match-fixing.
Zimbabwe has added Brendan Taylor to their squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which will take place in Bulawayo from 7th to 11th August. This comes after Taylor completed a three-and-a-half-year ban for violating the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping regulations.
The 39-year-old was banned in 2022 after admitting to accepting $15,000 from an Indian businessman in 2019. Prior to the ban, he had announced his retirement from international cricket in September 2021.
Taylor also revealed that he had used cocaine while in India, claiming that he was later blackmailed into spot-fixing, although he denied being involved in any match-fixing.
“I honestly thought it was all over, but here I am. I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” Taylor said in a statement released by Zimbabwe Cricket on Wednesday.
“I have to remind myself that I’m really here. I’ve been taking it all in and embracing every moment,” Taylor added.
“The past year and a half has been all about my comeback. I’ve put in a huge amount of effort – from fitness to technique to my diet – and I feel much leaner, fitter, and mentally stronger. I am in a wonderful space.”
Having debuted in 2004 against Sri Lanka, Taylor has played 34 Test matches, during which he scored six centuries and 12 half-centuries.
With a total of 9,938 runs across all formats, he ranks as Zimbabwe’s third-highest run-scorer in international cricket.