Brendan Taylor Makes Emotional Comeback: “It Feels Like a Debut Again”

Brendan Taylor made a poignant and long-awaited return to international cricket on Thursday, describing his first day back in Zimbabwe whites as “a debut-like feeling,” following a three-and-a-half-year absence due to a ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

The 39-year-old opened the batting alongside Brian Bennett in the second Test against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, capping off a journey marked by personal hardship, redemption, and determination.

“Three years ago, I couldn’t get out of bed. And now I’m here, doing what I love — representing Zimbabwe,” Taylor said in an emotional pre-match interview. “It’s an honour to play again. It’s a debut-like feeling.”

A Journey from Darkness to Redemption

Taylor was banned in early 2022 after admitting to breaching anti-corruption rules, having delayed reporting a coercive approach from match-fixers in 2019. His story became public in early 2022, when he also revealed his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.

After retiring suddenly in 2021 and checking into a rehab facility, Taylor spent his time away from official cricketing structures building a private coaching facility and working on his recovery. He credits his family, close friends, and officials at Zimbabwe Cricket — especially managing director Givemore Makoni — for encouraging his return, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.

“There’s always that shame and guilt of letting your family down. That’s a tough thing to deal with,” Taylor admitted. “But my family rallied around me. That support was overwhelming — it’s almost a regret that I didn’t lean on them earlier.”

His wife, Kelly-Anne, only discovered the full extent of his addiction when he publicly revealed it. At first, she didn’t believe he was leaving for rehab. “I felt it was something I got myself into and I needed to fix it myself,” Taylor said. “I thought the dream had gone and I was content with it.”

However, the experience at a rehabilitation centre in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands shifted his perspective, and his commitment to a clean lifestyle has been unwavering since. Now 20 kilograms lighter and fitter than ever, Taylor says he is “living good, clean and healthy.”

A Comeback with Perspective

Back in Zimbabwe’s Test XI and handed his 36th Test cap before play began, Taylor said the moment “meant the world” to him. “It was a moment of pure gratitude and real emotion to be welcomed back with open arms,” he said. “It’s certainly a moment of reflection and real gratitude.”

Although more naturally suited to the No.4 position, Taylor was asked to open the innings due to the team's batting struggles and the need to reinforce the top order. He began his innings cautiously and got off the mark in unconventional fashion — gloving a Jacob Duffy bouncer for four over the keeper.

Though he won’t keep wicket in this match, Taylor says he’s in the best physical condition of his life, and mentally stronger than ever. “I’ve trained harder than I’ve ever trained in my life to get back here. If the performances come, that’s great — but there’s a much bigger picture for me now.”

With Zimbabwe on a six-match Test losing streak and desperately seeking a turnaround at home, Taylor’s presence brings both experience and hope — and perhaps a reminder that second chances, when earned and embraced, can be just as powerful as first ones.