New Zealand great Ross Taylor has come out of retirement to play for Samoa in the upcoming T20 World Cup Asia-EAP Regional Final.
Ross Taylor set to play for Samoa in T20 World Cup qualifier
The nine-team qualifying tournament for the Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year will run from October 8 to 17. Samoa have been drawn in Group C alongside Oman and Papua New Guinea. The top two from each group will advance to a Super 6 stage, from where the top three sides will qualify for the tournament.
Read more: Samoa batter sets new world record with 39-run over in T20 World Cup Qualifier
Ross Taylor, who played 112 Tests, 236 ODIs and 102 T20Is for New Zealand between 2006 and 2022, has been named in Samoa's squad. There had been rumours of this development since last month, which have now come to fruition. Taylor holds a Samoan passport thanks to his mother's heritage, and is now eligible to play for them after completing a three-year cooling-off period since his last appearance for New Zealand.
"It’s official – I’m proud to announce that I’ll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket," Taylor wrote on Instagram. "This is more than just a return to the game I love — it’s the huge honour to represent my heritage, culture, villages, and family. I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the game, join the squad, and share my experience on and off the field."
Taylor's addition is likely to be a massive boost for Samoa, whose squad does have a strong New Zealand presence. Auckland all-rounder Sean Solia has also been selected, returning to the Samoan side after seven years. He played six times for the side during the 2018 East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier A. Northern Districts opener Jeet Raval, who played 24 Tests for New Zealand (23 alongside Taylor) has been named as assistant coach to Tarun Nethula, who also played five ODIs for the Black Caps.
Full list: Samoa squad for T20 World Cup Asia-EAP Regional Final
Daniel Burgess, Douglas Finau, Sam French, Kurtis Hynam-Nyberg, Caleb Jasmat, Faafetai Ben Mailata, Noah Mead, Solomon Mene Nash, Samson Sola, Sean Solia, Fereti Sululoto, Leaupepe Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote Taylor, Saumani Tiai, Ili Tugaga, Darius Visser.
- Coach: Tarun Nethula
- Assistant Coach: Jeet Raval
- Assistant Coach: Maletino Maiava
- Manager: Tuisavaii Dean Seuoti
- Physiotherapist: Devlin Malone
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