Brendan Taylor Returns, Top-Scores After Ban

Brendan Taylor made an emotional return to Zimbabwe's Test cricket team in the second Test against New Zealand after serving a 3.5-year ban for accepting money from match-fixers and testing positive for cocaine. Replacing Ben Curran, Taylor top-scored with 44 runs as Zimbabwe was bowled out for just 125 on the first day, with New Zealand's Matt Henry and debutant Zakary Foulkes leading the attack. Taylor spoke openly about his struggles with addiction and the trauma of his ban, expressing gratitude for the support of family and cricket officials. New Zealand, missing several key players due to injuries, fielded three debutant fast bowlers who contributed to Zimbabwe's collapse. Taylor's comeback sets a record for the longest Test career among 21st-century debutants, underscoring his resilience and importance to Zimbabwean cricket. The match highlights both Taylor's personal redemption and Zimbabwe's continuing difficulties in Test cricket.