A Surprise Return
Ross Taylor, one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever batters, has shocked fans as Ross Taylor comes out of retirement — but not for the Black Caps. At 41, he’ll now represent Samoa cricket, proudly pulling on the blue jersey to honor his family roots.
Taylor retired in 2022 after finishing with 18,199 international runs for New Zealand across formats. Many thought his playing days were over, but under ICC rules, players must serve a three-year stand-down period before switching nations — which means he’s now eligible to represent his mother’s homeland, Samoa.
Why Samoa?
For Taylor, this isn’t just about cricket. It’s personal. His mother is Samoan, and representing the island nation is his way of celebrating that heritage.
Taylor called it a “huge honor” to represent his culture, his villages, and his family. Having already achieved nearly everything in cricket, this comeback is less about chasing records and more about celebrating pride and identity.
What’s Next?
Taylor will join the squad for the Asia–East Asia-Pacific T20 Qualifier in Oman from October 8–17, 2025. This event is just the first hurdle. Only the top teams will advance to the Global Qualifier, where they must battle for a chance to reach the biggest stage — the T20 World Cup.
He won’t be alone either. The team also features experienced names like Auckland all-rounder Sean Solia and captain Caleb Jasmat. But having Taylor — with all his experience of playing the biggest games in world cricket — is a massive boost.
Why This Matters
This comeback isn’t your usual “legend returns to the field” story. It’s about a player using his platform to highlight where he comes from. For Samoa, having someone of Taylor’s calibre in their squad could be game-changing.
More importantly, it shows that cricket’s future won’t only be shaped by the big teams. Smaller nations are rising, and Taylor’s choice to represent Samoa sends a powerful message: the game can grow anywhere if people are willing to lead the way.
