TAHIR IS FEELING AT HOME WITH DURHAM
SPINNER HOPES TO MAKE IMPACT AGAINST YORKSHIRE TOMORROW AFTER OPENING WIN
Imran Tahir is embracing life with Durham Jets after playing a pivotal role in their opening Vitality Blast win against Leicestershire Foxes last week.
The Jets lost in their first match of the competition on the road against Yorkshire Vikings, but were able to bounce back at Grace Road defeating the Foxes.
Tahir led the way with figures of 4-14 in his side’s 33-run triumph.
And the 39-year-old has insisted that he’s desperate to make an impact after signing a nine-game deal with the club to play in the competition.
He said: “I was very pleased that I was able to do something for the team with my performance.
“Whatever I do if it’s for the better of the team I’m happy to do it.
“It was a good victory, especially an away game. The talent is there and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“It’s always nice to have a performance under your belt.
“I’m a big believer in the team, but I’ve been given a role here to come and do something – that’s what I’m here for.
“Personally, I want to do well because I’ve been given an opportunity and I do not want to take things for granted.”
Tahir is playing for his seventh county in England, although he did reveal that he could have joined Durham earlier in his career.
He spent a short time on trial with the North East outfit, although the competition for places resulted in an unsuccessful bid to secure a contract.
He added: “I didn’t know the people here, but they’ve been really nice and have welcomed me.
“I think the second good thing was the ground, which I knew before I came here was quite big for the spinner.
“It’s going to help a lot.
“I did come to Durham a few years back when I was a young boy.
“I was young and I didn’t have enough cricket behind me. They had a good team and it’s hard to get in anywhere.
“It was one of those things, but I know the system and the city, it’s nice to be back again.
“Playing as an overseas player in at 20 competition is a great honour.”
The leg-spinner will now play his first match at Emirates Riverside as a Durham player when the Jets face off against Yorkshire tomorrow (6.30pm start).
Tahir is hopeful that he can use the ground to his advantage along with the conditions provided by the recent heatwave to drive the Jets to their second win on the spin.
Tahir said: “I’m pretty sure the guys know where we went wrong against Yorkshire in the first game.
“We need to learn from what we did wrong and make sure we get it right for the game – we’re really looking forward to it.
“The ground being big gives me a little bit of an advantage as a spinner, but the wickets are generally very flat.
“It’s still a challenge and you can just think because it’s a big ground you’re going to bowl however and the wickets will come.
“We still have to work hard and go with our plans. It has been pretty hot so I hope there is something for the spinner.
“If not, I’m used to it and you’ve got to be able to adapt.”