ImranTahir

The old saying ‘patience is a virtue’ certainly applies to Imran Tahir.

Tahir, who was born in Pakistan, was chosen to play for South Africa in a Test against England in January 2010. But the Proteas were forced to withdraw him from their squad after discovering the former Pakistan A leg-spinner was not yet eligible to play for them.

Instead, he had to wait until January 2011, before he qualified as a South African. Fortunately for the bowler, he did not have to wait much longer than that to represent his adopted country.

The leg-spinner made his debut for the Proteas in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and impressed with 14 wickets in the five matches he played during that tournament.

His ability to spin the ball gave South Africa greater versatility in the field in one-day international games, and while he spent some time on the sidelines in early 2012, he returned as a regular member of the ODI side in late 2013.

Since starting his first-class career in 1996-97 Tahir has played for more than 10 teams, including Lahore, Yorkshire and the Titans in South Africa. 

He played 20 Tests for the Proteas and took 57 wickets including two five-wicket hauls.