
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE County Cricket Club director Mick Newell has admitted the English side faces a tough battle in its bid to extend Brendan Taylor’s stay at Trent Bridge amid overtures from Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO

ZC are keen for Taylor to return to Zimbabwe to resume his international career when his contract expires at the end of the season, with talks reportedly at an advanced stage.
Lancashire fast bowler Kyle Jarvis has also been approached by ZC over a possible return.
Nottinghamshire, who are looking to seal promotion back to Specsavers County Championship Division One are, however, desperate to hold onto the powerful right-hander who has been in sublime form across all formats this season.
Newell has confirmed Nottinghamshire — along with the Zimbabwe Cricket — are in talks with the 31-year-old middle order batsman, who is contracted to play out the remainder of the 2017 summer at Trent Bridge.
Taylor’s deal with Nottinghamshire falls under the Kolpak ruling, which allows players from countries with Associate European Union (EU) Agreements to work in an EU country, but which also makes him ineligible to represent Zimbabwe while that contract is in effect.
“Brendan has been contacted by the Zimbabwe Cricket [the sport’s governing body in the country] about returning home to play there, and we appreciate his honesty in explaining that to us,” said Newell.
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“I know he has really enjoyed his experience of playing for Nottinghamshire, but, equally, it will be tempting for him to play back home where he can be with his family.
“As of this moment, nothing has been decided, and the final decision is very much up to Brendan, but we obviously hope he will stay with us.
“He is a quality player, so it will come as a disappointment to someone whatever he decides, but we will totally respect his final choice.
“Either way, we know Brendan will remain committed to the Nottinghamshire cause for the rest of the summer, and he will continue to contribute valuable runs.”
Taylor joined Nottinghamshire for the start of the 2015 season and became the first batsman in the club’s history to register centuries in both of his first two matches, against Loughborough University and Middlesex.
This season he blasted a memorable, match-winning 154 in the Royal London One-Day Cup quarter-final victory at Somerset — the fourth highest List A score in the club’s history. Taylor has in the past revealed that concerns about his financial future were behind his retirement from international cricket.
Working conditions — and finances — have, however, improved under the new ZC leadership headed by Tavengwa Mukuhlani and new managing director and former ICC chief financial officer Faisal Hasnain.
The appointments of former captains Heath Streak and Tatenda Taibu to key positions have also translated to better performances on the field of play.
Taylor is, however, reported to favour a return to international cricket as it would allow him more time to be with his wife and four children, who have continued to live in Harare while he plays for Royal London One Day Cup winners Notts so as not to unsettle them.
Zimbabwe cricket coach Streak welcomed the possibility of Jarvis and Taylor’s return, saying it would create a healthy competition for places in the national team.
“I think they were a massive loss to us when they left and I’m hoping that Zimbabwe Cricket can entice them to come back into the fold.
“Brendan Taylor would definitely bring a lot of experience. He is a former captain so his experience and leadership will be great. Kyle Jarvis left when he was performing really well for Zimbabwe and he’s obviously gained more experience from playing County cricket.
“He’s been one of the most consistent county bowlers on the circuit for a number of years, so both players will be a huge asset and it would definitely create an environment where there is competition for positions.
“For me, that is healthy as no one can rest on their laurels and think they’re just going to automatically get picked, they’ll continue to work hard because they’ll know there are other guys who are breathing down their neck,” Streak said.