Imran Tahir says he is relishing the challenge of returning to one day cricket as South Africa host Australia in a five match series, starting at Supersport Park. 

Speaking ahead of the Momentum One Day International opener in Centurion, the leg-spinner says the 50-over format remains relevant in the midst of Twenty20 supremacy. 

“I know there are T20 leagues everywhere but one-day cricket is still there and it's not easy,” said Tahir. 

“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.

"I have been bowling at the death, sometimes. You need to focus,” added Tahir.

“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 practise hard and you try to bowl in one area most of the time.”

The last time South Africa squared up against their Southern Hemisphere rivals was during the tri-series in the Caribbean in June.

And while his team finished third in the series, the spinner had every reason to celebrate in his trademark fashion when he took a record-breaking 7-45 against the West Indies. 

Both teams head into the game on the back of convincing victories against Ireland. Australia secured a nine-wicket victory, with fellow leg-spinner Adam Zampa taking 3-37.

The 21-year old spinner is currently the leading wicket taker in ODIs for 2016, with 25 wickets from 13 matches. 

"Zampa is a very good bowler,” said Tahir “He proved that over the last year, in the IPL and playing all over the world. I reckon he is a very good talent.” 

The five-match series will kickstart preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in England. Tahir, having re-joined Notts in the second half of the 2016 season, will be accustomed to English conditions, after ending his season with a tally of 31 wickets across the four-day and Twenty20 competitions. 

Back on South African soil, the emergence of spin duo Aaron Phangiso and Tabriaz Shamsi are keeping the 37-year old on his toes.

"The selectors, 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,” he said.

”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.”

 

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