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Ross Taylor answers Samoa's call for historic T20 World Cup push
Sport Nation • September 5th, 2025 12:45 pm
Ross Taylor | Photo: Photosport
Former New Zealand international Ross Taylor is returning to competitive cricket, four years after his final appearance for the Blackcaps.
The 41-year-old has committed to representing Samoa, the country of his mother's birth, in their bid to qualify for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
“I always wanted to give back to the Polynesian community in some sort of way, I always thought it would’ve been in more of a coaching avenue.” Taylor told media.
Taylor, who retired from international cricket in 2022, remains New Zealand's most-capped player across formats, with 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20s.
Photo: Photosport
His eligibility to represent Samoa came into effect in April 2025, following the ICC required stand-down period mandated for players switching from a full member nation to an associate team.
Samoa is aiming to secure a spot at the T20 World Cup for the first time in its history.
Taylor will play alongside Auckland Aces allrounder Sean Solia, and coached by former Blackcap Tarun Nethula.
Taylor is set to join the squad later this month as they prepare for the upcoming qualification campaign.
Blackcaps learn lessons from underdone T20 World Cup campaign with bumper warm-up schedule | Sport Nation Cricket
