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| New Zealand former skipper Ross Taylor. — AFP |
Ross Taylor Comes Out of Retirement to Represent Samoa in T20 World Cup Qualifiers
New
Zealand former skipper Ross Taylor. — AFPNew Zealand cricket great Ross Taylor
announced Friday he was coming out of retirement, nearly four years after
quitting, to help Samoa qualify for next year´s Twenty20 World Cup.The
41-year-old former Blackcaps skipper said it would be a...
Cricket fans around the world were
treated to a heartwarming surprise on Friday as New Zealand legend Ross
Taylor announced that he is coming out of retirement—nearly four years
after hanging up his boots. But this comeback isn’t about records or glory for
the Blackcaps; it’s about something deeper. The 41-year-old has decided to
represent Samoa, the country of his mother’s birth, in a bid to help
them qualify for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
“This is more than just a return to the
game I love,” Taylor said in an emotional post on social media. “It’s a huge
honour to represent my heritage, culture, villages, and family. I’m proud to
announce that I’ll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket.”
For Taylor, who has already cemented
his place as one of New Zealand’s greatest batsmen with over 450
international appearances—including 112 Test matches—the decision is driven
by legacy and giving back. “I always wanted to give back in some capacity,” he
admitted in an interview with New Zealand media. “I thought it would be through
coaching kids or donating gear. But the chance to do it as a player again, that’s
something I’m really looking forward to.”
Taylor last played for New Zealand in
early 2022, closing a chapter that spanned nearly two decades. Since April this
year, after serving the mandatory stand-down period required to switch
allegiances, he became eligible to don Samoa’s colours. The timing couldn’t
have been better, with Samoa preparing for the Asia-Pacific World Cup
Qualifying Series in Oman this October.
Samoa will face hosts Oman and Papua
New Guinea in Group 3 of the qualifiers. The structure of the tournament is
straightforward but intense: three groups of three teams each, with the top two
advancing to the Super Six stage. From there, only three teams will ultimately
secure spots in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
For Samoa, having someone of Taylor’s
calibre in the squad is nothing short of transformative. His wealth of
experience—from competing against the best bowlers in the world to handling the
pressures of global tournaments—will be invaluable both on and off the field.
Taylor himself stressed that beyond runs and wickets, he wants to mentor,
inspire, and instill belief in a team hungry for recognition on the world
stage.
“This is about more than cricket,” he
emphasized. “It’s about family, culture, and passing something on to the next
generation. I can’t wait to join the squad, share my experience, and hopefully
help Samoa make history.”
For fans, this comeback is a reminder
of why sport transcends statistics. Sometimes, it’s about reconnecting with
your roots, honouring your heritage, and inspiring others through action. As
Samoa gears up for their qualifying campaign in Oman, Ross Taylor’s return
promises to bring not only experience but also passion, pride, and a powerful
story of homecoming.