Tatenda Taibu

Harare: In a surprise decision, former Zimbabwean cricket captain Tatenda Taibu on Monday brought down curtains on his 11-year-long international career, saying he wants to focus on working for the Church.

The 29-year-old, who played 28 Tests and 150 ODIs for Zimbabwe, was named in his country’s provisional squad for September’s World Twenty20 earlier in the day.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who became the youngest Test captain in history in 2004, had been out of top-flight cricket since the tour of New Zealand earlier this year because of a finger injury.

“I just feel that my true calling now lies in doing the Lord’s work, and although I am fortunate and proud to have played for my country, the time has come for me to put my entire focus on that part of my life,” Taibu was quoted as saying by a website.

In 2001, Taibu made his debut at the age of 18 as a successor to former captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Andy Flower.

His first Test was against the West Indies in Bulawayo. Picked as a wicketkeeper in Flower’s absence, he was pushed up to No. 3 in the second innings, but failed as Zimbabwe slipped to a big defeat.

He was made the captain in 2004, but he quit captaincy and the national side the next year, following threats against his family.

“I am doing this, 80 per cent because of the current situation in Zimbabwe Cricket and 20 per cent because I do not like the terms of my offered contract,” he had said in November 2005 following his resignation.

In 2006, he shifted base to South Africa. He wanted to go through the four-year qualification process to be eligible to play international cricket for South Africa, but returned to Zimbabwe in 2007.

In a career spanning 11 years, Taibu received the Man of the Match award in 2005 against Bangladesh when he made 85 not out and 153 to help Zimbabwe draw the Test.

Another highlight of his career was the only other Test victory against Bangladesh last year, when Zimbabwe returned to the format after a six-year exile.

Taibu’s outspoken nature was highlighted before that match as he slammed the board for not doing enough to promote cricket in the country.

In April 2004, He became the youngest-ever captain, at the age of 20, when he led Zimbabwe in an ODI against Sri Lanka, marking the occasion with an unbeaten 96.

He took over after 13 players including seniors like Heath Streak and Grant Flower were left out following a stand-off between them and the Zimbabwe board.

Taibu finished as Zimbabwe’s fourth-highest run-getter in ODIs, and has second highest dismissals as an ODI wicketkeeper for Zimbabwe. Only Flower has effected more dismissals than Taibu.

Taibu was picked while still in his teens as a potential long-term successor to Andy Flower, and while he didn’t reach the heights Flower did, he forged a solid career.