Spinner Tahir takes pressure in his stride
South Africa's legspinner Imran Tahir says he has embraced the extra pressure that comes from bowling in Indian conditions in the current Test series against India.
Tahir took match figures of six for 71 in the Proteas' 108-run loss in the first Test in Mohali, and believes pressure is an element of international cricket he has learnt to use to his benefit.
The 36 year-old Tahir said: "The pressure is always there, it doesn't matter where you play. It's how you cope with it that will set you apart.
"There is definitely pressure, everyone expects you to take wickets because its turning miles and the Indian spinners are taking wickets. I focus on what I need to do for the team, that is how I challenge myself.
"I don't like to look outside of it, at the end of the day I give my 100 percent for the team, that is satisfying. I'm very glad with the way that I performed in the game.
"There was probably one patch where I didn't bowl well, it was towards the end of the second day, but other than that, I went into the game with the big belief that I can do something. I've worked hard and I'm happy to see it paying off.
The Proteas' second Test, of the four-match series, against India starts in Bangalore on Saturday.
Latest
-
NewsCraig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
NewsThree positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
NewsZak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
NewsMark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
NewsMcCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
NewsJofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
NewsEngland bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
NewsPaul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.