Zimbabwe’s veteran cricketer Brendan Taylor made a sensational return to One-Day Internationals after a gap of four years, featuring in the series opener against Sri Lanka in Harare on Friday. The 39-year-old last played an ODI in September 2021 against Ireland.
Taylor had earlier returned to international cricket during a Test match against New Zealand this year after serving a three-and-a-half-year ban related to corruption charges.
Record-Breaking Feat
By taking the field against Sri Lanka, Taylor created history, becoming the first cricketer of the 21st century to have the longest ODI career span. His debut came on April 20, 2004, also against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo.
It has now been 21 years and 132 days since his ODI debut, a record among players who started their careers after January 1, 2001.
Surpassing Sean Williams
Taylor went past teammate and Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams, who previously held the record with a span of 19 years and 300 days. Taylor is also the first 21st-century debutant to cross the 20-year mark in ODIs.
Among the All-Time Greats
With this milestone, Taylor has now entered the top three all-time longest ODI careers list:
| Player | Team | Career Span |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 22 years 91 days |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 21 years 184 days |
| Brendan Taylor | Zimbabwe | 21 years 132 days* |
| Javed Miandad | Pakistan | 20 years 272 days |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 19 years 337 days |
Tendulkar remains on top with an unmatched career span of over 22 years, followed by Jayasuriya.
Injury Setback
Unfortunately, Taylor’s return was cut short by an injury scare. While keeping wickets in the second over of Sri Lanka’s innings, he hurt his finger and had to leave the field, with Clive Manande replacing him.
Taylor’s ODI Legacy
Across his illustrious career, Taylor has been a pillar for Zimbabwe cricket.
- ODIs: 206 matches, 6684 runs, 11 centuries (Zimbabwe record), 203 innings – 2nd highest run-getter after Andy Flower.
- Tests: 35 matches, 2371 runs with 6 centuries and 12 fifties.
- T20Is: 45 matches, 934 runs at a strike rate of 118.22.
Despite setbacks, Taylor’s longevity and consistency have made him one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated cricketers.
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