Following a disheartening nine-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first Test, Zimbabwe's cricket team is looking for a spark, and according to coach Justin Sammons, the return of Brendan Taylor is the answer.
Taylor, one of the country's most accomplished cricketers, is set to make a poignant comeback in the second Test, starting Thursday at Queens Sports Club, after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban.
The first Test highlighted Zimbabwe's significant batting struggles, as they failed to reach a total of 170 runs in either innings.
While the bowling department remained strong, the lack of runs proved to be the team's undoing, leading to a quick defeat inside three days.
The timing of Taylor's return, therefore, couldn't be more crucial.
After the first Test defeat Sammons gave prominence to Taylor's immediate and positive impact on the team, even before he had officially taken to the field.
"Yeah, it's really positive. I'm looking forward to having him back in the side," Sammons said.
"Already he's added great value in the change room. Just you can see the way he sort of plays and sort of lean on every word he's saying.
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“I think just the discussions that he's having with the batters already starting to make a difference."
The coach noted that Taylor's presence had elevated the team's standards in training.
"Even in training, to be honest, you could really see everyone sort of just really looked up the game a little bit with his presence there,” he said.
“So without him even being in the side, I've already seen a difference.
"It might not have shown in the test necessarily in terms of the batting results.
“But you can certainly see that inquisitiveness around trying to get as much information from him as possible. Be there.
“And like I say, the standards in preps go up. I am really looking forward to seeing him out there in the middle. I think he just brings so much to the side.
“So yeah, look forward to it."
Taylor's comeback is not just a cricketing story; it's a tale of redemption.
The former captain was banned by the ICC for breaches of both the anti-corruption code and anti-doping code.
He has since undergone a thorough rehabilitation program, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and accountability.
In a statement released by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announcing his inclusion in the squad, Taylor expressed a profound sense of gratitude and renewed purpose.
"I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am – and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude," he was quoted as saying.
"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."
Taylor was candid about the immense personal effort he put into his comeback.
"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,” he said.
“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."
With 9,938 international runs and a record 17 centuries for Zimbabwe, Taylor's statistical prowess is undeniable.
As the second Test looms, all eyes will be on Taylor, not just for his batting but for the journey of redemption that has brought him back to the center stage of Zimbabwean cricket.
