Brendan Ross Murray Taylor is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest modern cricketers. A right‑handed batter and occasional wicketkeeper, he was the backbone of Zimbabwe’s batting lineup for over two decades. Known for his elegant stroke play and leadership, Taylor captained Zimbabwe and became their most consistent run‑scorer in international cricket.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Brendan Ross Murray Taylor
- Born: 6 February 1986, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Age: 40 years (as of 2026)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm off‑break
- Role: Wicketkeeper‑batter
- Domestic/Franchise Teams: Mashonaland, Mid West Rhinos, Nottinghamshire (England), Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL), Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Chittagong Kings (BPL), Kandy Tuskers, Wellington, Multan Sultans, Zimbabwe XI
Brendan Taylor Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s/50s | Highest Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 36 | 2,403 | 35.9 | 6/12 | 171 | |
| ODIs | 207 | 6,704 | 35.3 | 11/39 | 145 | |
| T20Is | 59 | 1,216 | 23.8 | 1/6 | 60 | |
| First‑Class | 139 | 7,000+ | ~40 | 20+ | 200+ |
Career Highlights
- International Debut: ODI debut vs Sri Lanka (Apr 2004); Test debut vs Sri Lanka (May 2004).
- World Cup Impact: Scored four centuries in the 2015 ICC World Cup, finishing among the tournament’s top run‑scorers.
- Captaincy: Led Zimbabwe in both Tests and ODIs, including the 2011 ICC World Cup.
- County Success: Played for Nottinghamshire in English county cricket, strengthening his reputation as a world‑class batter.
- Longevity: Represented Zimbabwe across formats for over 20 years, retiring after the 2025 season.
Style of Play
- Batting: Elegant right‑hander, strong on drives and cuts, capable of building long innings.
- Wicketkeeping: Reliable behind the stumps when required.
- Temperament: Calm leader, often carried Zimbabwe’s batting under pressure.
Legacy
Brendan Taylor is remembered as one of Zimbabwe’s finest cricketers. His ability to score runs against top teams and his leadership during challenging times made him a respected figure in world cricket. Despite Zimbabwe’s struggles, Taylor’s performances ensured the team remained competitive on the international stage.
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