Zimbabwe have added Brendan Taylor to their team for the upcoming series against New Zealand, making him eligible to play in the second and final Test. Taylor is returning to international cricket after abruptly retiring (for the second time) from all formats in 2021.

Shortly later, Taylor was found guilty of violating ICC anti-corruption rules by failing to disclose an Indian businessman who had blackmailed him to lead the batsman into spot-fixing. According to the incident report from 2022, the cricketer received cash and gifts from the businessman after the latter filmed him while ingesting cocaine.

Pinching myself to realize I’m actually here: Brendan Taylor

Found guilty of the offence, Taylor had then served a three-and-a-half year’s ban from playing international cricket, which got lifted on Friday, July 25. Now after his name was added to the Zimbabwean squad, Taylor has opened up on the journey and what it took for him to stay away from the game he loves the most. The 39-year-old feels to be in a wonderful space currently, and also feels fitter enough to hit the ground running for the second Test, which gets underway on August 7.

“I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am – and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I’m actually here. I’ve been soaking it all up and embracing every moment. It’s just been a really nice integration. 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.

That’s only been possible through sobriety. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space,” Taylor said on his emotional comeback as quoted by ZC.