Taylor ends Nottinghamshire contract for family reasons

Brendan Taylor has been granted permission to end his Nottinghamshire contract with immediate effect so he can return home to Zimbabwe for family reasons.

*Later on Thursday, Zimbabwe Cricket announced re-contracting Taylor, taking him a step closer to his international return for Zimbabwe - perhaps as soon as next month against West Indies - more than two years after ending his international career after the 2015 World Cup.

Since Taylor's retirement, Zimbabwe have relied heavily on Craig Ervine and Sean Williams for runs in the middle order and continue to struggle for a reliable top three. In limited-overs' formats, Taylor can fill that role and with the 2019 World Cup looming. and Zimbabwe due to play in qualifiers next year, Taylor's role in the team will be crucial and he is certain to be part of their plans.

Zimbabwe are also engaging with Kyle Jarvis to opt out of his deal with Lancashire, where he has been a vital component of their attack, and rejoin the national ranks.

Taylor's Notts contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but instead he is leaving two games early with Notts' promotion back to Division One still not assured.

Notts have led the second division all season but face tough away matches at Northants and Sussex with points still needed.

Taylor said: "Winning two trophies for Notts in these past few months, including one at Lord's, has been a real highlight in my career, and given me moments that I will never forget.

"But being away from my wife and children has proven to be very difficult for me and I have reached a point in my life where I must consider their needs." Nottinghamshire have already lost Michael Lumb to retirement in a season in which they have won both limited-overs trophies.

Taylor has played a key role in that white-ball double. He scored 351 runs in the T20 format, including a vital 65 against Birmingham Bears in a record Finals Day partnership of 132 with Samit Patel, who hit 64 not out.

He also struck Notts' fourth highest List A score of 154 in the Royal London quarter-final win at Somerset, contributing 376 runs in all in that competition.

His time at Notts has not been without controversy. Two years ago, after celebrating Notts' Royal London Cup semi-final win against Durham rather too enthusaistically, police found him asleep in a businessman's car close to Trent Bridge the following morning.

He ended his Zimbabwe career to join Notts for the start of the 2015 season and became the first batsman in the club's history to register centuries in both of his first two matches, against Loughborough University and Middlesex.

Director of cricket Mick Newell said: "We are obviously disappointed to lose Brendan given the significant impact he has had, but we also respect his wishes in relation to his family. We wish him every future success."

*The story was updated after a release from Zimbabwe Cricket