Among the many cricketers, who got their chance after the rebel Zimbabwean players protested against the board in 2004, Brendan Taylor was probably the most talented to come through. He was drafted into the side as a young 18-year-old batsman and made his ODI debut against the visiting Sri Lankans in April, 2004. He failed in the first four matches, but showed glimpses of his talent with a knock of 74 in the final game. He followed it up with consecutive half-centuries against Australia in the next month and by then, it was clear that Taylor was one for the future.

While the talent was indisputable, questions about his temperament lingered on, as Taylor was guilty of getting starts and throwing it away in an attempt to be aggressive. Now and then, he would show signs of a mature head on his shoulders, but wasn't consistent enough.

Taylor was a part of the Zimbabwe World Cup squad in 2007, but failed to impress. However, in the same year when the ICC launched the T20 World Cup, Taylor helped Zimbabwe stun 50-over Champions Australia in a league match. Taylor, anchored the chase of 139 with a fine knock and ended up with an unbeaten 60 off 45 balls to take Zimbabwe home.