Tatenda Taibu convinced by son to make return to professional cricket

The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman became the youngest ever Test captain when he was named Zimbabwe Test captain at the age of 21 in 2004, but retired from cricket in 2012

Former Zimbabwe Test captain Tatenda Taibu is set to make an unexpected return to professional cricket when he debuts for Badureliya Sports Club in Sri Lanka, and has admitted that the decision was in part down to his son.

“I have said many times that my life is not guided by emotion or well-set plans, but I believe I am led by a voice inside my heart which I cannot ignore," said Taibu in a statement.

“My son Tatenda Jnr also often asks how I used to play, now that he has taken a liking to the sport. He didn’t really get the chance to see me as he was too young at the time.

“I have stayed extremely fit and healthy and feel I’m still one of the fittest cricketers around, so I thought maybe I can let him see for himself how I can perform.”

^{Tatenda Taibu was convinced to return by his son Tatenda Jnr}

The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman became the youngest-ever Test captain when he was named Zimbabwe Test captain at just 21 in 2004.

He played 28 Tests, 150 ODIs and 17 T20Is for Zimbabwe, but retired from the game in February 2012 to focus on church work.

Taibu, who now lives in the UK, made a return to cricket as a player and coach for Merseyside team Hightown St Mary’s CC in 2016, and was appointed convenor of selectors of Zimbabwe in 2017. He left the role in 2018 when Zimbabwe failed to make the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2019.