Credits: AFP via Getty Images

Zimbabwe have announced a 16-man squad for their 2-match test series against New Zealand starting at the end of this month home. Ben Curran has recovered from a fractured hand and finds himself in the squad while Brian Bennett who had sufferred a concussion during the test series against South Africa is currently taking part in the T20 tri series against South Africa and New Zealand and is also back into the test squad. Experienced batsman Sikandar Raza who was playing the MLC during the South Africa tests is also back into the squad along with couple of other players.

However, the biggest point of interest remains the return of veteran batsman Brendan Taylor into international cricket. As of now, Taylor is not in the squad but as per ESPNcricinfo, he will be inducted into the squad once his ban expires on 25 July and is expected to be available for the first test starting 30 July.

Brendan Taylor had announced his retirement from international cricket in September 2021, playing his last ODI against Ireland on 13 September in which he scored 7 runs. In January 2022, Taylor was banned by the ICC's anti-corruption unit for three and a half years for failing to report approach without delay. ICC had said that Taylor accepted the ban, which started from January 28, 2022. Taylor was also suspended for one month under doping charges, which ran concurrently with the three and a half year suspension under the ICC anti-corruption code.

Taylor had initially considered a move into coaching but was convinced to resume his playing career by Zimbabwe cricket's managing director Givemore Makoni, with an eye on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 which is to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia.

Taylor had said while talking to ESPNcricinfo: "I still want to play and believe I could make an impact as a player. I look at where I'm at physically and mentally and if I didn't feel I could do it, I wouldn't bother. Givemore has really supported me on this. He sort of shut down the coaching role for now and said 'Çan you play and try to push yourself up until the 2027 World Cup?' Granted I'll be 41 then but with sobriety, I'm living my truest form"

Zimbabwe squad for New Zealand tests

1. Craig Ervine (captain)
2. Brian Bennett
3. Tanak Chivanga
4. Ben Curran
5. Trevor Gwandu
6. Roy Kaia
7. Tanunurwa Makoni
8. Clive Madande
9. Vincent Masekesa
10. Wellington Masakadsza
11. Blessing Muzarabani
12. Newman Nyamhuri
13. Sikandar Raza
14. Tafadzwa Tsiga
15. Nicholas Welch
16. Sean Williams

New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe test series schedule

1st Test: 30 Jul-3 Aug - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo - 1pm (Pakistan time)
2nd Test: 7-11 Aug - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo - 1pm (Pakistan time)


*This is the first time that New Zealand and Zimbabwe are going to play tests since 2016, when New Zealand toured Zimbabwe and won 2-0.