Zimbabwe Cricketer Brendan Taylor Breaks Huge Record With Test Comeback After 4 Years

Brandon Taylor record [Source: ESPNCRICINFO/X.COM]

Zimbabwe cricketer, Brendan Taylor, made a successful comeback at the international level after four years in the ongoing second Test of the series between the hosts, Zimbabwe, and the visitors, New Zealand. Taylor served a three-and-a-half-year ban given by the ICC, and the veteran marked his return for the first time since 2021.

Taylor was suspended by the ICC on corruption charges, and the former Zimbabwe captain marked his return in the crucial game for the hosts, who lost the first Test in a one-sided battle. With his long-awaited return, Taylor also broke a massive record.

Taylor breaks huge 21st century Test record vs New Zealand

He is now the earliest Test debutant amongst all the active cricketers. He first played a Test match in 2004 against Sri Lanka, and has served his nation for almost 21 years.

Playing in his 35th Test match, the Zimbabwe star surpassed English great James Anderson in terms of cricketers with the longest Test career (players who made their debut in the 21st century). Since 1989, only Sachin Tendulkar has recorded a longer Test career (24 years) than Taylor.

Players with longest Test careers

In the 21st century, Taylor is ahead of Anderson, and also Bangladesh legend, Mushfiqur Rahim, who has played Test cricket for 20 years and 33 days.

A look into Taylor's illustrious Test career

Taylor has been one of Zimbabwe cricket's biggest stars in the last 20 years, as the batter has carved a name for himself, not only in white ball cricket, but in Tests as well. 

In 35 Test matches, the former captain has amassed 2320 runs, at an average of 36.25, including 6 hundreds.Despite playing in only a handful of matches, Taylor became a household name, and he now enters 22nd year of his illustrious career.

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