In a surprising move, former New Zealand cricket captain Ross Taylor has decided to return to the game at the age of 41. However, he won’t put on the iconic black jersey again, Taylor will now represent Samoa, the country of his mother’s birth, in international cricket.
The veteran cricketer revealed the news on Instagram, writing – “It’s official – I’m proud to announce that I’ll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket.”
Taylor, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest batters, retired from international cricket in April 2022 after a decorated career that saw him score 18,199 runs across all formats and lead the team in all three formats.
Why Taylor Can Play for Samoa
Taylor is eligible to represent Samoa because of his Samoan heritage and passport. Under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, players can represent a second country after a three-year cooling-off period following international retirement. Taylor has now completed that period, opening the door for his remarkable comeback.
Tournament Details
Taylor will join Samoa for the Asia-East Asia-Pacific (EAP) T20 World Cup Qualifier, which takes place in Oman in October 2025. Samoa is one of nine teams competing for three spots at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Samoa’s squad features Auckland all-rounder Sean Solia and will be captained by Caleb Jasmat. Taylor’s presence is expected to bring invaluable experience and leadership to the side.
Taylor’s Statement
Speaking about his decision, Taylor said this comeback is deeply personal – “This is more than just a return to the game I love, it’s a 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 also admitted he initially saw himself supporting Pacific cricket through coaching or mentoring but is excited to make an impact on the field.
A Remarkable Career
Taylor made his debut for New Zealand in 2006 and went on to become one of the country’s most reliable and consistent batters. His achievements include:
- 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, 102 T20Is for New Zealand
- Over 18,199 international runs
- Key player of New Zealand’s multiple historic wins, including their first-ever World Test Championship title in 2021
- Became the first player in history to play 100 matches in all three international formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).
What This Means for Samoa
Taylor’s decision is a massive boost for cricket in Samoa, a developing cricket nation looking to make its mark on the world stage. His experience at the highest level is expected to inspire young cricketers in the Pacific region and strengthen Samoa’s chances of qualifying for their first-ever T20 World Cup.
Conclusion
Ross Taylor’s comeback is more than just a cricket story, it’s a celebration of culture and family roots. For Samoa, this could be the start of a historic journey on the global cricket stage.
His decision brings world-class experience to a developing team, giving young Pacific cricketers a role model to look up to. With Taylor’s leadership, Samoa’s dream of qualifying for their first-ever T20 World Cup feels closer than ever.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
