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Cape Town - South Africa spinner Imran Tahir believes that One Day Internationals (ODI) still have a place in the sport despite the rise in popularity of T20 Leagues.
Tahir believes the longer limited overs format allows players to develop and test their skills to the utmost.
The spinner said: "I know there are T20 leagues everywhere but one-day cricket is still there and it's not easy. People still like to watch one-day cricket. Fifty overs is a long time. It's a good challenge and you have enough time to show your skills.
"In T20, there's a time shortage because you've got four overs. In one-day cricket, you relax and the game goes long and you only win the game in the last 10 or 15 overs."
Recent changes to the playing conditions have allowed bowlers a little more leeway in a game that has become increasingly dominated by batsman.
Tahir added: "This 5-4 field makes our life really hard but it's nice to see they now allow five fielders outside the circle in the last 10 overs.
"I have been bowling at the death, sometimes. You need to focus. You know if you miss your target, you will go for a boundary but it's also good because it makes you a really good bowler. You practice hard and you try to bowl in one area most of the time."
The tweaker is still primarily focused on taking wickets though, something he does very well.
He continued: "I never look to contain. I always try and take wickets."
Tahir is feeling the pressure with Aaron Phangiso and Tabraiz Shamsi developing into hot prospects for the Proteas in the spin department.
The Pakistan-born star concluded says the spinning competition allows them to always improve on their game: "The selectors and coaches and captain have showed trust in us spinners which is a good sign and it's also becoming challenging for us as spinners against each other.
"I like that because I can never be relaxed. Thanks to these guys, I want to keep improving. I am happy to play with these guys and I hope to see them do well for South Africa in future."
Tahir believes the longer limited overs format allows players to develop and test their skills to the utmost.
The spinner said: "I know there are T20 leagues everywhere but one-day cricket is still there and it's not easy. People still like to watch one-day cricket. Fifty overs is a long time. It's a good challenge and you have enough time to show your skills.
"In T20, there's a time shortage because you've got four overs. In one-day cricket, you relax and the game goes long and you only win the game in the last 10 or 15 overs."
Recent changes to the playing conditions have allowed bowlers a little more leeway in a game that has become increasingly dominated by batsman.
Tahir added: "This 5-4 field makes our life really hard but it's nice to see they now allow five fielders outside the circle in the last 10 overs.
"I have been bowling at the death, sometimes. You need to focus. You know if you miss your target, you will go for a boundary but it's also good because it makes you a really good bowler. You practice hard and you try to bowl in one area most of the time."
The tweaker is still primarily focused on taking wickets though, something he does very well.
He continued: "I never look to contain. I always try and take wickets."
Tahir is feeling the pressure with Aaron Phangiso and Tabraiz Shamsi developing into hot prospects for the Proteas in the spin department.
The Pakistan-born star concluded says the spinning competition allows them to always improve on their game: "The selectors and coaches and captain have showed trust in us spinners which is a good sign and it's also becoming challenging for us as spinners against each other.
"I like that because I can never be relaxed. Thanks to these guys, I want to keep improving. I am happy to play with these guys and I hope to see them do well for South Africa in future."
