Cricket in Zimbabwe has gone through its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. But newly-appointed skipper Brendan Taylor is hoping to usher a new positive beginning in Zimbabwean cricket.
The 25-year-old admitted that he was surprised at being given the honour of leading the side but said that it will not affect his performance. "Yes I was surprised, but happy at the same time," Taylor told the Associated Press on Sunday. "I know it's different when you are captain but I don't see it affecting my performance."
Taylor was named captain on Friday ahead of Zimbabwe's Test comeback against Bangladesh in August. The opening batsman replaces all-rounder Elton Chigumbura, who resigned in April before briefly overturning his decision. The skipper is also confident that Zimbabwe can make a successful comeback in to Test cricket.
"We are all confident we can make it when we return to Tests. I think we've come a long way," Taylor said.
Zimbabwe last played a Test match in 2005. It withdrew from the five-day game after an exodus of its top players following a disagreement with the board.