Zimbabwe veteran Brendan Taylor surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the longest career in Men’s One Day International history during the series opener against Australia in Harare on Tuesday. Taylor’s career now spans 22 years and 148 days, exceeding the previous record of 22 years and 91 days held by the Indian legend.
The milestone was reached in a Zimbabwe XI featuring three players aged 40 or older, with Taylor joined by Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine. Taylor rejoined the national setup in 2025 following the completion of a three-and-a-half-year ICC ban.
While Taylor set the longevity record, Australian opener Matt Renshaw scored his maiden One Day International century. Renshaw’s hundred anchored the innings as Australia moved past 280 runs in the 48th over at the Harare Sports Club. Mitchell Marsh, earning his 100th ODI cap, is the only player in the current Australian squad who also toured Zimbabwe in 2014.
“The wicket looks good for batting in a day game,” Marsh said at the toss after electing to bat first.
Australia modified their lineup for the series opener, with Cameron Green ruled out due to right shoulder soreness. Medical staff characterized the injury as minor, and Green remains under observation for the second ODI. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were also rested, as Australia manages player workloads before the upcoming Test series in South Africa.
The three-match series continues at the same venue on September 18.
