Proteas veteran Imran Tahir is as hungry as any other player in the national team.
At the age of 39, Tahir can’t wait to take the field against Zimbabwe in their day/night match in Bloemfontein on Thursday (1pm).
Currently ranked 10th in the world, Tahir is South Africa’s main spin bowler.
But as they gear up for next year’s World Cup, he believes fellow spinner Tabraiz Shamsi can be a surprise package.
Tahir explains: “It’s nice to see the spinners coming up. Sham has done really well. I always try to help as much as I can.
“And it’s an exciting time - we have another mystery bowler and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
At his age, Tahir is entering the twilight phase of his career.
And he says he will call it quits when he feels he can no longer give his best for his adopted country.
Tahir adds: “It’s an absolute honour representing the country at the World Cup and it’s going to be a challenge.
“But I enjoy the challenge. I’m preparing myself from now onwards. I’m working really hard on my fitness. I’m trying to go as long as I can and giving what the team requires - I am the kind of guy that, if he leaves, he wants to leave with respect.”
Of Zimbabwe, Tahir adds: “I think they’ve got good enough players for international game. We have to respect the opposition.”