Ross Taylor to Represent Samoa at T20 World Cup Qualifier
Former New Zealand captain Ross Taylor, 41, returns from retirement to honor his Samoan heritage and compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifier in Oman.
Taylor to don Samoa colours at T20 qualifier
Ross Taylor, 41, the most capped player in New Zealand cricket history, has announced his return from international retirement to represent Samoa at the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifier in Oman this October. Taylor, whose mother was born in Samoa, captained the Black Caps across all formats between 2012 and 2022.
Heritage and motivation
Retiring in 2022 after a 16-year career that included 450 matches and 112 Tests, Taylor said his comeback is a 'huge honour' to celebrate his heritage. 'This is more than just a return to the game I love - it's an opportunity to honour my culture, villages and family,' he wrote on social media.
Samoa will join Papua New Guinea, Japan, Oman, Nepal, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar and the UAE in the Asia-Pacific qualifier, where three spots are up for grabs for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka next February and March.
Taylor's comeback underscores his dedication to the sport and his desire to give back by promoting cricket in Samoa while leveraging his experience.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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