Brendan Taylor announces retirement from international cricket

Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has decided to draw curtains on his glorious international career. The former skipper will play his final game, against Ireland on Monday (September 13). The talismanic wicketkeeper-batter has been a long servant for Zimbabwe cricket since the time he made his debut in 2004. He will finish his Test career as the team’s fourth-highest run-scorer, having made 2320 runs in 34 Tests with 12 fifties and six centuries. 

In the shortest format, he has represented Zimbabwe in 45 T20Is scoring 934 runs. The wicketkeeper-batter, though truly aced ODI cricket and was instrumental in several of Zimbabwe’s victories. He was the rock of their batting line-up and often would wage a lone battle for his team. 

His moment in the sun came during the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015, wherein he finished as his team’s highest run-getter. Taylor also scored a sensational hundred against India that was appreciated and lauded by all.

But the 34-year-old had it enough and has decided to step away from the game. He announced this decision on his official Instagram account and wrote, “It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing that tomorrow is my last game for my beloved country,” Taylor wrote. 

 “17 year’s of extreme highs and extreme lows and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

 “It’s taught me to humble, to always remind myself how lucky I was to be in the position I was in for so long. To wear the badge with pride and leave everything on the field.

 “My goal was to always leave the team in a better position as to when I first arrived back in 2004, I hope I have done that.”

In the same post, Taylor thanked Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), his wife, teammates, coaches, and fans for their unparallel support.

“To my teammates and coaches past and present. I thank you from the bottom of my heart I will never forget you all.

“To the fans back home who have been so loyal to me over the years. I’m eternally grateful.

“To my friends at home, my parents and my best mates my two brothers who have been with me every step of the way,” he added.

“Finally to my wife @tkellyanne and our four beautiful boys. You have meant everything to me on this journey, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you. No more airport heartaches. I look forward to our next chapter. I love you all very much,” he signed off.

 Taylor would surely like to end his career on a high against Ireland in the final ODI of a three-match series.