Zimbabwe lose Taylor to county cricket

Thursdays’ game against India, his 167th ODI, could be Brendan Taylor’s last outing for Zimbabwe. Next time he plays an international game, it could well be for England if things go according to his plan. Taylor has signed a three-year Kolpak deal with the English county Nottinghamshire, subject to approval of England cricket board, which will make him ineligible to play for Zimbabwe.

“It’s been one of the toughest decisions of my career. I have been very passionate about playing for Zimbabwe, but it’s a decision I had to make,” Taylor told reporters on Tuesday. “I can’t give you that answer (whether I would like to settle down there) because it’s the first time I am going there. I just want to go there and play some good competitive cricket and provide for my family. That’s the main thing behind it. I will see how it goes the first year and then take a call.

“I’m very sad to leave Zimbabwe cricket. I’ve had some fond memories and I have some great friends here but life goes on and you have to try and make the best decisions for your family,” he said.

Taylor’s availability for Nottinghamshire will be confirmed after the World Cup. The Kolpak deal states that the player can represent a county side as a local and would not be counted as an overseas player.

Zimbabwe’s coach Dav Whatmore confirmed the development. “It is true we will be missing Brendan Taylor, who is going to Nottingham, and they are very very lucky to have him. Despite that, we feel we have got a number of players who make this team really strong in terms of what they offer.”

Taylor, 29, has played 23 Tests and 26 T20Is. He has 5120 ODI runs and 1493 Test runs, at an average of 34.

Source:: Indian Express