Notts allow family man Taylor to return home

BRENDAN Taylor could be back playing for Zimbabwe having returned home from Nottinghamshire.

Batsman Taylor, 31, has asked for and been granted permission to be released from his Trent Bridge contract – due to expire at the end of the 2017 season – for family reasons.

He scored 351 runs in the T20 format, including a vital 65 against Birmingham Bears in a record Finals Day partnership of 132 along with Samit Patel, who hit 64 not out.

Taylor said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Trent Bridge where I have made some fantastic friends among the dressing room and club staff during the three seasons I have been here.

“Winning two trophies for Notts in these past few months, including one at Lord’s, has been a real highlight in my career, and given me moments that I will never forget.

“But being away from my wife and children has proven to be difficult for me and I have reached a point in life where I must consider their needs.”

Harare-born Taylor first joined Notts 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.

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: “We are obviously disappointed to lose Brendan given the significant impact he has had, but we also respect his wishes in relation to his family.”