NEW DELHI: Coming out of international retirement to represent a different nation will probably happen for the first time in cricket, as former New Zealand captain Ross Taylor will now be seen donning the Samoan jersey.
The 41-year-old Taylor has been included in the 15-man Samoa squad, led by Caleb Jasmat, for the upcoming Asia–East Asia–Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier in Oman, which could see them qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
"It's official - I'm proud to announce that I'll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket," Taylor wrote on his Instagram handle. "This is more than just a return to the game I love - it's the huge honour to represent my heritage, culture, villages, and family.
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"I'm excited for the opportunity to give back to the game, join the squad, and share my experience on and off the field."
Taylor holds a Samoan passport through his mother's heritage, making him eligible to represent Samoa after completing the mandatory three-year cooling-off period following his final match for New Zealand in April 2022.
During his illustrious international career with New Zealand from 2006 to 2022, Taylor played 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20Is, scoring 7,683, 8,607, and 1,909 runs in each format, respectively. His remarkable consistency and leadership have cemented his status as one of New Zealand's greatest-ever cricketers.
Despite last playing a T20I in November 2020, he remains New Zealand's fifth-highest run-scorer in the format.
Samoa T20I squad: Caleb Jasmat (capt), Ross Taylor, Darius Visser, Sean Solia, Daniel Burgess, Douglas Finau, Sam French, Kurtis Hynam-Nyberg, Ben Mailata, Noah Mead, Solomon Nash, Samson Sola, Fereti Sululoto, Saumani Tiai, Ili Tugaga
