“It felt like I was starting my career again in Cape Town”: Tabraiz Shamsi

Ever since making his debut in 2016, Tabraiz Shamsi has never been a regular face in the playing XI. Moreover, he has always played as the second fiddle to the experienced Imran Tahir. But now, he wanted to set himself in the side with an extended run in the ODI team which will take on England.

He played only his 18th game in Cape Town where a blistering century from Quinton de Kock helped them registered a convincing win over the World champions England. Shamsi had a good day at the office too who finished with a figure of 3 for 38 in 10 overs. He will try to replicate his performance in the second ODI at Durban as well.

“I’ve been involved with the team for a number of years but it was always just the odd game here and there. So this feels like a new chapter, it felt like I was starting my career again in Cape Town. Whenever I play I want to make an impact, but I’m even excited to make mistakes now because I have time to implement whatever changes I need to make, previously I’d only be playing again in three months’ time,” shared the spinner.

“So it feels like the beginning again and it should be interesting here in Durban as well because the pitch looks a little dry. But there’s always extra bounce at Kingsmead and I always enjoy that. But England won the World Cup so they are not a bad side and I’ll just try and do my best whatever the pitch. Cape Town is now gone and I will be judged again on my next performance,” Tabraiz Shamsi added in Durban.

Along with Shamsi, another left-arm spinner Jon-Jon Smuts also did a great job to restrict England.

“Jon-Jon is an all-rounder, he’s not a bits-and-pieces player, he’s a lot better than that. He doesn’t get given enough credit,” Shamsi praised his new spin-bowling partner.

Moreover, this was the maiden game of Quinton de Kock as the official new one-day captain and they got off the series with a flying start where the captain led from the front with example.

“Quinny is a very different captain, he doesn’t speak much, he’s a simple guy of few words. But when he speaks the message is clear. Our relationship is just beginning and the field placings and strategy will come,” Tabraiz Shamsi concluded.