Brendan Taylor to retire from international cricket after final ODI against Ireland

Veteran Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has announced his retirement from international cricket. The former skipper will bid adieu to the game after the third and final ODI against Ireland today, September 13.

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Taylor made his debut for Zimbabwe in 2004 and soon became one of the prominent members of the team, playing pivotal roles in some of the memorable wins for Zimbabwe. He is their fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests with 2320 runs in 34 matches, including six centuries. In T20Is, he has represented Zimbabwe in 45 games, scoring 934 runs with six half-centuries. However, it’s the ODIs where he really flourished. Taylor played 204 ODI matches for his team and scored 6677 runs, including 11 hundreds.

The 34-year-old announced his retirement on Instagram on Sunday. “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.

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

Taylor expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe Cricket, his teammates, coaches, family, and fans for their continuous support. “Thank you for the opportunity and I hope I have made our country proud in some small way,” he wrote.

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

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“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 brother’s who have been with me every step of the way,” he added.

“Finally to my wife @tkellyanne and our four beautiful boy’s. 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 scored a quickfire 49 in the first ODI against Ireland and helped Zimbabwe gain a 1-0 lead in the series. The second match was called off due to rain.