Brendan Taylor’s return headlines Zimbabwe’s 16-member squad for Sri Lanka ODIs

‌Brendan Taylor made a much-awaited return to the Zimbabwe ODI team when he was named in the 16-member squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka starting on Friday. Taylor made his return to international cricket when he featured in the second Test against New Zealand at Bulawayo earlier this month.

The former Zimbabwe captain is in line to play his first ODI in close to four years after being part of an ODI against Ireland in Belfast in September 2021. Taylor is the second-highest run getter in ODIs for Zimbabwe with 6684 runs in 205 matches, including 11 centuries and 39 fifties, at an average of 35.55.

Currently sandwiched between the Flower brothers, Andy and Grant, in the runs tally, he is only 102 runs away from being the country’s highest run getter in the 50-over game.

"We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold," Zimbabwe convener of selectors David Mutendera said. "His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room."

Both matches against Sri Lanka will be played at the Harare Sports Club, with the second game set to happen on Sunday, August 31. The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I duel at the same venue from September 3.

"This squad has been selected to give us the best chance against a strong Sri Lankan side," Mutendera said. "We have combined proven match-winners with players who are hungry to make their mark, and that mix of experience and energy will be crucial as we transition from red-ball cricket to the fast pace of ODIs."

Zimbabwe head into the series after a challenging red-ball season, which saw them playing matches against top Test-playing nations like England, South Africa and New Zealand. They were also involved in a T20I Tri-Series with the Proteas and Kiwis recently, but will play their first ODI since their 2-1 win over Ireland in a three-match series in Harare in February earlier this year.

"We've just come off a tough red-ball series and now it's about adjusting to the tempo and intensity of one-day cricket," Zimbabwe's head coach Justin Sammons said. "Clarity in roles will be key - each player must understand exactly what's required. Get that right, and I believe we can compete strongly against a very disciplined Sri Lankan outfit."

Zimbabwe squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka

Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.