Tahir, as the number-one SA spin bowler in limited over formats, again produced a top performance with 2/40 in the first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday. The hosts won the match by 20 runs, and the wickets Tahir picked up during the middle overs proved crucial. But with Simon Harmer earmarked as the starting spinner for the Proteas in the longest format of the game, Tahir, still holds out hope he can force his way back into the team through sheer hard work with the 72-day tour of India looming at the end of September.
“I definitely [want to play Test cricket again]. Probably I’m still challenging myself for that,” said Tahir at the Wanderers on Friday, where the team were training ahead of the second ODI in Potchefstroom on Sunday.
“For me the most important thing going to bed after I’ve played a Test is match is knowing that I’ve given my 100 percent for South Africa. If I haven’t given it my all I will struggle to sleep. I know in my heart that I have always given my all for South Africa.”
Though still the first choice in ODIs and T20s, Tahir said he never takes representing South Africa for granted.
“Playing for South Africa is a dream I had since I was 10. I’m so grateful to South Africa that I get to wear this hat. If I drop it, I’ll kiss it before I put it back on my head. This is the biggest thing for me in my life, and sometimes I can’t believe where I am.”
