New Zealand Cricket legend Ross taylor Has announced his sensational return in international cricket, but will represent a 41-year-old with a remarkable turn Samoa Instead of its former motherland T20 World Cup Regional QualifierThis dramatic return is an important moment in cricket history as one of the biggest batsmen of New Zealand changes loyalty to honor his Pacific Island heritage.
Ross takes a U-turn on retirement to represent Taylor Samoa
The former New Zealand captain made his announcement on Friday, 5 September, 2025 on Friday, September 5, 2025 after his announcement officer was nominated in the 15-man squad in Samoa in the Asia-East Asia-Puva Asia-Puva Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier. OmanTaylor’s eligibility to represent Samoa stems from his mother’s legacy, as he holds a Samoan passport and has completed a three-year cooling-off period since his last appearance for New Zealand in April 2022.
,This is official – I am proud to announce that I am pulling towards blue and representing Samoa in cricket, it is only more than the return of the game I love – it is a great honor for representing my heritage, culture, villages and familyTaylor wrote on his Instagram account, Experienced batsmen, who would compete as Leadp Looter Ross Puta Lotte Taylor under his full Samoan title, expressed real enthusiasm for giving back to the Polynesian community.
Taylor’s mother, Naapu Lotte-TellerOriginally on the island of Upolu in Samoa is from Salufata. Connection goes deep, as Taylor has borne the hereditary Samoa language title of “Lead” from the village of Fasito. His decision represents more than just one career step – this is a cultural homecoming that can significantly increase Samoa’s World Cup qualification possibilities.
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Taylor strengthened Samoa squad for important qualifiers
In addition to Taylor’s Samoa squad, provides enough experience and sufficient experience to the team with an exciting talent already characterized by exciting talent. Auckland is an all-rounder to join Taylor Scene SoliaAnother player who returns to Samoa setup after seven years with New Zealand domestic cricket experience. Solia, who has played for Auckland since 2016 and represented Samoa in the 2018 East Asia-Pacific region qualifier, brings valuable all-round capabilities for the squad.
Samoa team claims one of the most explosive batsmen in cricket Derius wizerWho entered record books in fantastic fashion during the August 2024 East Asia-Pacific qualifier. Visar hit six sixes in a single over, submitted 39 runs and broke Yuvraj SinghA 17 -year record of 36 runs in an over. His notable 132 notable 132 notes against Vanuatu included a total of 75.86% of Samoa, setting another T20I record.
Captain’s leadership Kaleb jasmatThe former reflects a strong New Zealand connection with a black cap Jeet rawal Service as assistant coach for Tarun NathulaWho also represented New Zealand in five ODIs. This experienced coaching setup, combined with teller’s mentarship, holds Samoa as a real contender in the qualifying tournament.
The tournament structure presents Samoa with a realistic route for the World Cup qualification. Nine teams are divided into three groups of three, Samoa is placed in Group 3 with hosts Oman and Papua New GuineaThe top two teams from each group reach the super six stage, where the top three finishers secure their spots in the 2026 T20 World Cup India And Sri Lanka,
Taylor’s influential international career figures display the caliber of player Samoa. In 16 years representing New Zealand, he submitted 18,199 runs in all formats, including 7,683 runs in 112 tests, on an average of 44.67, and in 236 Odis at 8,607 runs at 47.55. His T20I records include 1,909 runs out of 102 matches, despite the final play in November 2020 as New Zealand’s fifth T20i run-scorer.
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