Share

Tahir completes epic journey

Rob Houwing, Sport24 chief writer

Cape Town – If playing at Test level remains the ultimate goal for most ambitious cricketers even in this age of lucrative counter-attractions, then Imran Tahir can look back on some particularly hard yards to reaching that landmark.

The Dolphins leg-spinner and Cape Cobras all-rounder Vernon Philander on Wednesday became South Africa’s first debutants since Lonwabo Tsotsobe was introduced to the five-day international arena against West Indies at Port of Spain in June last year.

Aged rather closer to 33 than 32, Lahore-born Tahir, who has already represented the Proteas with some success in ODIs at the last World Cup, can certainly be said to have earned his spurs in first-class combat.

His “major teams” list on Cricinfo is a more formidable one than most, now comprising as many as 20 with the addition of South Africa.

He has also bowled as many as 27,345 deliveries in first-class cricket en route to reaching the highest level against Australia at Newlands, since his appearance on the scene in 1996/97.

Tahir boasts 585 wickets at an average of 25.18 and economy rate of 3.23 which is extremely decent for an exponent of his tricky art.

His suitcase has been delivered, as it were, to various destinations since his grassroots days in Pakistan, including three English counties and as many South Africans provinces/franchises – Easterns, the Titans and most recently his current base of the Dolphins.

He is also the first specialist leg-spinner to be fielded by South Africa at Newlands since Glen Hall as far back as January 1965 against England – it was the Pretoria-born player’s only Test appearance and he later committed suicide in 1987, aged 49.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE