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Taylor hopes Zim won't miss him

Auckland - Experienced batsman Brendan Taylor hopes he won't be missed by Zimbabwe once he leaves international cricket to start a new career with English county Nottinghamshire.

The 29-year-old is likely to play his last international when he takes the field against India in the World Cup Pool B encounter in Auckland on Saturday.

Taylor believes Zimbabwe have enough talent at the higher level to ensure a seamless transition from his era.

"I think there's enough depth there at the moment. We've certainly got some experienced players, we've got some young and talented players coming through," said Taylor.

"I'm not too worried about maybe leaving a hole there. I certainly don't think that's the case. I think the players are definitely good enough to fill that number four spot in Test cricket and one-dayers."

Taylor named Solomon Mire, Sean Williams and Graham Cremer as his potential successors in that role.

"I'm confident that there's a bright future right around the corner for Zimbabwe cricket," said Taylor, who has so far played 23 Tests and 166 one-dayers in addition to 26 Twenty20s.

Taylor admitted it was a tough decision to leave Zimbabwe and head for Nottinghamshire on a deal which will rule him out of playing for his country.

"It hasn't been an easy decision to make. International cricket has always been the pinnacle for me, but it's something that I discussed with my family and my wife, and after two, three months of doing that, I decided to go and play in England," said Taylor.

"I think all players tend to try and maximise a little bit, and when you've got kids at home, you want to try and make sure they've got the best sort of upbringing that you can give them. That all sort of favoured the decision. It's a three-year decision."

Taylor didn't rule out a return to Zimbabwe cricket once his deal expires.

"I don't think everything is lost after England, whether I continue to play on after those three years in England or come back to Zimbabwe. That's all too far ahead."

Taylor singled out wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan as his fondest memories with Zimbabwe.

"There's some fond memories, but for me personally, it would probably be our first Test win against Bangladesh. Being in isolation for five years and coming back and winning our first Test match back," said Taylor of the win in 2011 after Zimbabwe's self-imposed exile.

"Then also winning another Test against Pakistan," said Taylor of the 2014 win.

"Those are two that stand out for me personally. We all as players value Test cricket, so we all know how hard it is.

"It's been fairly enjoyable the 11 years that I've been extremely grateful for. Every player's dream is to represent their country, and I've been lucky enough to do that."

Taylor said Zimbabwe are ready for the India challenge on Saturday, despite the fact they are already out of the World Cup.

"Our preparation has been really good. It's still very upbeat at the moment, and the players are very positive," said Taylor, who is likely to captain Zimbabwe in case Elton Chigumbura is ruled out again with a foot injury.


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