Age nothing but a number for spin wizard

AT 37 Imran Tahir may not have too many more years left in him but the Proteas legspinner is enjoying playing cricket too much to worry about when the end may come.

Tahir has been priceless for the South African cricket team in oneday international cricket for a number of seasons now.

On Saturday, he earned another man of the match award after collecting three wickets for 26 runs in his 10 overs.

His effort, coupled with that of Wayne Parnell, who also collected three scalps, helped South Africa to an eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka and a 1-0 series lead.

Asked just how long he thought he could continue playing, Tahir said that while he is still knocking opposition batsmen over he would keep going.

“As long as I can. I’m doing well in the field so I’m enjoying myself. For me the main thing is that as long as I am contributing to the team, that’s my main goal in my life. When I’m not, I will probably have to be honest with myself. But at the moment I’m enjoying it and as long as the nation is happy with me I’m going to keep going,” Tahir said.

Pakistani-born Tahir said he would never lose the thrill of playing for South Africa and that good discipline had made sure that he had been able to extend his career.

“I do all the hard work and take things quite seriously. Playing for South Africa is an absolute honour and I just don’t feel like I need to be relaxed. So every game I play I take it more than seriously and just think that it could be my last game and I need to do well.”

Tahir smiled when questioned about playing in gale force-like conditions in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

“It was tough. It was hard for us to bowl with and against the wind but I’m glad that as a bowling group we managed it very well. Our captain used us really well. I don’t think I’ve played in conditions like that for a long time.”

Captain AB de Villiers praised Tahir for the role he has played in the side as the No 1 spinner.

“Imran is in the best form that I’ve ever seen him in right now. He doesn’t bowl bad balls anymore.

“He always used to take wickets but I think you just don’t see bad balls at the moment which makes him really difficult to play.

“It’s one thing with him picking up wickets, but he’s keeping the runs down as well.

“He’s a great guy to have in our team.”

De Villiers hopes Tahir can make it to the 2019 World Cup by which time the spin wizard will be 39.