Ross Taylor ditches New Zealand to play for this team after taking U-turn from retirement

The former New Zealand captain, Ross Taylor, has decided to come out of retirement to represent Samoa in the upcoming Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier in Oman, which could help them qualify for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The Samoa board has also named Taylor in the 15-man squad, to be led by Caleb Jasmat. 

The 41-year-old veteran has overall smashed 6559 runs in 281 T20 innings at an average of 30.64 and a strike rate of just over 130 with the help of one century and 33 half-centuries. Out of these, 1909 runs came in 94 T20I innings for the Blackcaps at a strike rate of 122.37 with seven half-centuries.

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“It's official - I'm proud to announce that I'll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket. 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 wrote on Instagram.

Ross Taylor comes out of retirement to play for Samoa at T20 World Cup qualifiers

Taylor has a Samoan passport through his mother’s heritage, and he became eligible to feature for Samoa after seeing out the three-year cooling-off period, having played his last international game for New Zealand in 2022. He retired after playing 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20Is for the Kiwis between 2006 and 2022.

Taylor is New Zealand’s fifth-most prolific run-scorer in T20Is despite his last game for the Blackcaps coming in five years ago. He wasn’t the only major inclusion in the Samoa side. The 32-year-old Sean Solia, another Kiwi player with truck-load experience for Auckland, was named into the squad. They are going to strengthen the batting line-up.

Samoa T20I squad for T20 World Cup Qualifiers

Caleb Jasmat (captain), Ross Taylor, Darius Visser, Sean Solia, Daniel Burgess, Douglas Finau, Sam French, Kurtis Hynam-Nyberg, Ben Mailata, Noah Mead, Solomon Nash, Samson Sola, Fereti Sululoto, Saumani Tiai, Ili Tugaga.