I've waited in line for my turn, Muthusamy reflects on Proteas T20I debut

SENURAN Muthusamy told the media on Friday that the time he has spent carrying drinks as 12th man for the Proteas has given him knowledge and allowed him to grow his game at the highest level.

The spin-bowling all-rounder had a memorable debut for South Africa in the shortest format against New Zealand earlier this week as he returned sparkling figures of 1/19 in four overs.

The 31-year-old played his very first T20I game on Wednesday to add to the five Tests and two One Day International games he has played.

South Africa went on to lose by five wickets in Harare; however, Muthusamy certainly walked away with heaps of confidence from his individual performance.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Muthusamy expressed his gratitude for finally earning a T20I cap for the Proteas.

"It's fantastic to get a crack and to get a go. I think I've waited in line and waited for my turn now, so I'm really enjoying the opportunities. I'm very grateful for them and I really enjoyed it," Muthusamy told the media.

"I think I've had the opportunity to really be a part of the squad and integrate the last few months, which has been fantastic, and to learn in different conditions.

"I think that's what carrying drinks does bring. It's an awesome opportunity to grow and to learn and bounce ideas off and to be a part of the group and to add value where you can and to learn. So, I'm very grateful for the opportunity."

Muthusamy has played three SA20 seasons for the Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park in Centurion, a stint that has given him the platform to showcase his abilities in the shortest format of the game.

The 31-year-old believes that he can add value to the T20I team and possibly make it to next year's T20 World Cup, seeing that coach Shukri Conrad has announced him as one of three front-runners for the spinners' spots for the World Cup.

"I have played a fair bit of T20 cricket and I think I've had the opportunity to play at the Pretoria Capitals the last three seasons and that's helped my growth in the format," said Muthusamy.

"It's fantastic (that Conrad has made that announcement). I think I can add value to the group and value across all three disciplines. So yeah, embracing the challenge and learning along the way."

The Proteas are set to return to action on Sunday as they search for redemption, having suffered a loss against the Black Caps in Harare earlier this week.