It took Tabraiz Shamsi four years and 18 One Day Internationals to finally feel like he has arrived in the Proteas national team.
After bagging 3/38 in South Africa’s seven-wicket win over world champions England at Newlands on Tuesday, Shamsi announced his arrival as South Africa’s premier limited-overs spin bowler in style.
He had waited a long time for that title - with Imran Tahir being the undoubted No.1 before his post-World Cup retirement.
Heading into tomorrow’s second ODI at Kingsmead (1pm) and Sunday’s final match at the Wanderers (10am), the 29-year-old is keen to prove that he deserves the mantle.
Shamsi explains: “I’ve been involved with the team for a number of years, but it’s always been an odd game here and there.
“I am excited about this new chapter - it felt like I was starting my career in Cape Town.
“Whenever I play, I want to make an impact for the team. I’m actually excited, in a weird way, to make mistakes because now I have time to improve on them.
“Previously it was play an odd game here and the mistakes I made I could only rectify three months later, so there wasn’t that consistency.
“This feels like the beginning.”
A win for South Africa in today’s encounter will seal the three-match series for the hosts.