Taylor returns to Zimbabwe squad for second New Zealand Test

Zimbabwe have added the returning Brendan Taylor to the squad for the second Test against New Zealand, scheduled to take place from 7 to 11 August 2025 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The batter has become eligible for selection again following the completion of a three-and-a-half-year suspension after he accepted responsibility for breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and the ICC Anti-Doping Code.

The 39-year-old was in solid form in red-ball cricket before the sanction, with scores of 92, 81 and 49 in his last three Test innings.

Zimbabwe squad: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor.

Reflecting on his own journey back into the Zimbabwe squad, Taylor said, "The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return.

"I’ve put in an immense amount of work – from fitness to the technical side to diet – and I’m feeling a lot leaner, fitter and mentally stronger.

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space."

The first Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is currently underway in Bulawayo, with Mark Henry making early inroads in the first session on Day 1 with a four-wicket haul.