Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub BRENDAN Taylor’s story is a tale of redemption, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a man who once came close to losing everything, yet has managed to rise again. The veteran cricketer, whose comeback shocked many, has returned to the sport after a four-year absence. Taylor initially retired in 2021, just months before he was suspended for three and a half years for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code. This followed his earlier return to Zimbabwe Cricket in 2017 after his first retirement post-2015 World Cup. Last week, Taylor made his long-awaited comeback. He debuted for Takashinga Cricket Club in the National Premier League (NPL) before making his emotional return for the Chevrons in the ongoing second Test match against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club. He returned not just as a cricketer, but as a transformed man. Taylor has spoken candidly about the mistakes he made, the internal battles he faced, and his decision to admit himself to a rehabilitation centre. “Dealing with the sanction, dealing with my own internal chaos, there is no specific day, there were multiple days of trauma. It was incredibly difficult, there is always that shame and guilt and the let-down of your family, that’s a tough thing to deal with. “But the way my family rallied and supported me was overwhelming. There was that regret as to why I didn’t lean on them earlier. It was something I felt I got myself into and I needed to fix it myself. That dream was gone, I was content with it. “Then comes the joys and promises of recovery, something which is dear to me. Getting my life back on track is the reason why I am able to be here. If I hadn’t made that life-changing decision (getting into rehabilitation), none of this would be possible. I have some very special people in my corner, showing me a new way to live and I am eternally grateful for that. I must mention that there are a few people in Zimbabwe Cricket that I have to thank, the chairman and managing director who have been absolutely pivotal in the support to having me back,” said Taylor. On his return to international cricket, the 39-year-old batter, who is Zimbabwe’s fourth all-time leading run scorer in Tests, made a solid 44 runs, falling just six short of what would have been his 13th half-century in the format. He was Zimbabwe’s highest run scorer in the first innings, having come in as a replacement for Ben Curran at the top of the order. He said he was welcomed with open arms by everyone in the team and is grateful for that. Walking out to bat on Thursday felt like a debut match for him. “It meant the world to me, it was a moment of pure gratitude and real emotion to be welcomed back with open arms. It wasn’t the reaction I was expecting but certainly a moment of reflection and real overwhelming gratitude. It’s rewarding to see the amount of cricket Zimbabwe Cricket is putting out. I am coming back from a selfless point of view, to be of service to the group. “I have trained harder than I have ever trained in my life to get back here. If I perform that would be great, but there is a much bigger picture for me to play, serving this group of guys the best I can do. It will be an honour. It’s like a debut feeling although I debuted many years ago. The sense of, how good is this. Three years ago I couldn’t get out of bed and now I am here playing, doing what I love and that’s representing Zimbabwe,” he said. The veteran said he is looking forward to creating many more memories in Zimbabwean colours. “To all the fans of Zimbabwe Cricket that we appreciate so much, thank you for your support and patience. I hope I have sacrificed enough in the last few years to get ready and give you the very best of myself. There is so much great cricket to look forward to. Hosting the World Cup, hopefully we can create some real memories and smiles, we appreciate you dearly,” said Taylor.