Taibu announces retirement

National team cricketer, Tatenda Taibu has retired from the game.

Taibu has expressed the wish to follow a ministerial calling and leaves the game at the age of 29, after a career that spans almost two decades.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) considers the wicket keeper to be one of the success stories of its development programme and is saddened to be losing his services, although Mr Taibu was appreciative of ZC's open door policy should he wish to be involved in the future.

"I just feel that my true calling now lies in doing the Lord's work and although I am fortunate and proud to have played for my country, the time has come for me to put my entire focus on that part of my life, " said Mr Taibu.

Tatenda Taibu's career in cricket had its humble beginnings at Chipembere High School in Highfield where he was discovered through the ZC development programme. He subsequently went to Churchill High School on a ZC scholarship and steadily campaigned for a place in the national team until he made his first-class debut at the age of 16. His debut for the national team came in 2001, at 18. He was appointed national team captain in April 2004, making him the youngest test captain in history.