Ex NZ captain Taylor answers Samoa's call for T20 WC push

Ross Taylor made 450 appearances for New Zealand before hanging up his boots in 2022

IMAGE: Ross Taylor made 450 appearances for New Zealand before hanging up his boots in 2022. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI from the Rediff Archives

Former New Zealand run machine Ross Taylor is set to represent Samoa at the upcoming Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Oman to help them qualify for next year's T20 World Cup.

The Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier will kick off on October 8.

On Friday morning, the ICC World Test Championship winner's name popped up in Samoa's squad as they prepare to embark on the final journey towards the qualification of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

For "proud" Taylor, it is a "huge" honour to represent his heritage and signifies more than just a return to the game that he loves.

"It's official -- I'm proud to announce that I'll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket. This is more than just a return to the game I love - it's the 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 wrote on Instagram.

The 41-year-old scored more than 18,000 runs from 450 matches for New Zealand before ending his international career in April 2022.

Taylor holds a Samoan passport through his mother's heritage and is eligible to represent a second national team at the end of the three-year cooling-off period since his last match for New Zealand.

He features among several inclusions as Samoa aims to secure a spot in the marquee event, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka next year. Sean Solia has returned to the fold, while Darius Visser, who walloped 39 runs off an over in Sub-Regional qualifying, also features in the mix.

Taylor will play under the captaincy of Caleb Jasmat, who led the side in Sub-Regional qualifying, and shocked the world by beating off the likes of Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Fiji to claim their spot at the new hybrid Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.

Samoa will fight for the three spots available alongside Papua New Guinea and Japan in a competition also featuring Oman, Nepal, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Samoa T20 Squad: Caleb Jasmat (c), Ross Taylor, Darius Visser, Sean Solia, Daniel Burgess, Douglas Finau, Sam French, Kurtis Hynam-Nyberg, Ben Mailata, Noah Mead, Solomon Nash, Samson Sola, Fereti Sululoto, Saumani Tiai, Ili Tugaga.