When Shoaib Malik made his international debut in 1999, Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar were still playing for Pakistan.
Now in his 20th year as an international cricketer and turning 37 in two weeks, the right-handed allrounder says he has lost none of his hunger for the game.
Malik is one of the players who have arrived to boost Pakistan for the five-match one-day series against the Proteas starting at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
“I’m still feeling good and enjoying my game,” he said after the team’s training session on Thursday.
“I’ve got good support from the management and back home. But, of course, performance is something which always gives you happiness and keeps you going.”
Malik has enjoyed playing cricket in SA and averages close to 50 in this country.
“Being a senior player means you have a lot on your plate – it’s not just to perform, it’s to share your experience with the youngsters and tell them how to play in these conditions.
“We have a bunch of talented youngsters in our team and they are improving day by day, which is a great sign for our cricket, and by the time we get to the World Cup a lot of our youngsters will have played around 30 or 40 ODIs and gained more experience.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for all the guys to play here and to play against one of the best sides in the world. I think, just before the World Cup if you play a competitive series against tough teams it’s always great preparation.”
Pakistan may have been well-beaten in the Test series, but Malik says the team will be up for it in the shorter forms.