Zimbabwe have suffered a major setback in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
The 40-year-old sustained the injury during Zimbabwe’s group-stage win over Oman on February 9. Taylor had retired hurt after struggling while running between the wickets during his 31 off 30 balls in the chase. The exact nature of the injury has not yet been disclosed.
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Confirming the development at the toss ahead of Zimbabwe’s clash against Australia on Friday, captain Sikandar Raza said, “Brendan Taylor picked up an injury and he’s been ruled out of the competition.”
Raza had earlier indicated that the team management chose not to risk aggravating the issue, given Taylor’s importance to the side.
Taylor, who made his international debut in 2004, has represented Zimbabwe in 36 Tests, 207 ODIs and 59 T20Is. Notably, he had also retired hurt in a T20 innings last month, marking the third such instance in his last five T20 outings.
Zimbabwe were also without pacer Richard Ngarava for the Australia match as a precaution.
“Richard Ngarava is more of a precautionary measure. His first and second scans have come back pretty positive. So he misses out today as well,” Raza added at the toss.
