Taylor plots fairytale comeback after setback

WELL, it has been some start to the year for Zimbabwe Cricket.

I mean, we are only into the fifth week of the year and we have already experienced the heartbreak of defeat, a scandal involving a leaked expletive-laden audio by Chevrons’ bowler Tendai Chatara and something to smile about as Brendan Taylor looks to make a comeback.

Bra Shakes is of the opinion that once an organisation sets a precedence, then it opens the door for any and everything that comes with it.

The social media rumour mill has been abuzz with news that the once-great and twice-disgraced Zimbabwe international Brendan Taylor is not only on his final lap of a three-and-a-half-year ban but is also angling for a comeback.

While poring over the social media posts following Taylor’s announcement last week, Bra Shakes could not help but notice that not everyone is completely sold on the idea of the soon-to-be 39-year-old coming back.

Some argue that it is impossible for him to make an impactful comeback, especially after gathering rust for the three-and-a-half years.

Others believe we do not need him, as he will be just another old statesman taking the jersey from unfortunate youngsters.

Hogwash!

Zimbabwe really need reinforcements at the top of the order, if recent results are anything to go by.

In Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have a gem of a youngster.

It might be early days, but he has impressed so far.

He has the much-needed trifecta of raw talent, guts and potential.

ZC should really invest their time in finding him an ideal opening partner, and Tadiwanashe Marumani is simply not the answer.

No offence to the young man, but the powers that be need to look elsewhere to find someone else to keep gloves.

As for Taylor, age seems to be still on his side.

His peers Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and even Sikandar Raza are likewise also on the bad side of 30.

Over the past year, they have shown they still have plenty of gas in the tank.

Williams just needs to stay healthy and injury-free.

The world over, there are also cricketers of Taylor’s age who are still banging in those runs.

The likes of Usman Khawaja (38), Mohammad Nabi (40), Shakib Al Hasan (37) and Mushfiqur Rahim (37), as well as the Zimbabwe trio of Williams (38), Ervine (39) and Raza (38), have all set a precedence that Taylor could follow.

Only last week, Khawaja scored a sublime double century for Australia against Sri Lanka, while Raza was recently named in the ICC T20 Team of the Year (2024)

So, should Taylor be as fit as he claims, then he is in with a chance to impress yet again.

But, to be fair, the real issue behind all the negative talk surrounding Taylor’s intentions to return is prompted by his scandals involving drug and alcohol abuse, as well as spot-fixing.

Again, ZC have backed themselves into a corner, as players such as Wesley Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Blessed Mutize and Brighton Chipungu have at one time been suspended over drug issues.

The duo of Mavuta and Madhevere have already served their suspension, with the latter actually walking back into the national team.

Zimbabwe is co-hosting the ODI Cricket World Cup in 2027 and we need to put our best foot forward.

Taylor also has some unfinished business as he is only 102 runs behind Andy Flower in the most One-Day International (ODI) runs ever for the Chevrons.

He is third behind the Flower brothers Andy (11 580) and Grant (10 028), on the total runs across all three formats, with 9 938.

Breaking either one of those records would be the perfect ending to his redemption story.

But can he successfully fight his demons and get back to the top where he once was?

Only time, and fate, will tell.

Until next time.

Peace!

Yours Sincerely,

Bra Shakes.