Tahir still keen for a place in the World Cup
IMRAN Tahir, 39, has reiterated his desire to keep playing for South Africa for as long as possible. The leg-spinner continues to be a huge weapon for the Proteas in white-ball cricket, and he is already looking forward to the 2019 World Cup in England.
“I am loving the game at the moment, but I will admit that if we win the World Cup I will probably call it a day,” Tahir said when asked for his thoughts on retirement recently.
“It’s too early to say but, at the moment, I am enjoying every opportunity that I get to play for South Africa. I am trying to go as long as I can.
“I want to make sure I enjoy my game and give what the team requires from me. I also don’t want to overstay in the team.
“I want to leave with respect,” he added.
Tahir’s current form has again illustrated that he is far from overstaying his time in the squad, as he continues to put in match-winning performances.
He took South Africa’s fourth hat-trick in one-day internationals against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein, and has bowled with great control since returning to the squad.
Added to his skills, Tahir’s willingness to help other spinners around him is a great blessing for South African cricket.
He has more than two decades of experience, and he is looking to share that with younger spinners like Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi.
“It is nice to see the spinners coming up,” Tahir said.
“Shamsi has done well and deserves to be where he is at right now.
I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with him and with all the spinners that I will get to play with, even at the Dolphins,” Tahir added.
“I always try to help spinners as much as I can wherever I play in the world.
“It is exciting that we have another mystery bowler in Shamsi and I look forward to playing with him if we do play two spinners.
“We talk often about the game, and we make plans in advance of any series or game, which is great.
“I am happy to help anyone who wants to talk about spin,” he emphasised.
That attitude will stand South African cricket in good stead once Tahir vacates his place in the team.
The likes of Shamsi and Maharaj have had more chances to play in recent months, with Tahir away during the winter.
His return has bolstered the squad, and he spends a lot of time with Shamsi – even away from the game – talking about the unique skills and mind-set required to become a top-class wrist spinner.
Tahir has carved a niche for himself in South African cricket.
He has provided an edge to an attack that normally relies heavily on pace.
His ability to strike still remains, and it would be fitting for him to end his international career on the high of a World Cup victory. – Sports Reporter.