Imran Tahir made his Test debut against Australia in the recently concluded Test series © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Johannesburg: Nov 23, 2011
South African coach Gary Kirsten said leg-spinner Imran Tahir has the potential to become a decent Test match cricketer.
"Imran definitely got something going that we can all be excited by and he will continue to develop and grow as a Test match cricketer," said Kirsten.
"We all know how different it is coming from first-class level into the international arena because the mental demands are so much bigger."
Kirsten said it was important that youngsters get a good run to prove themselves.
"We all expect big performances from them, but sometimes it doesn’t happen straight away.
"They’re all good enough cricketers and they need to know that they’re not being watched every minute of the day and that after two bad performances they’re out.
"I don’t think that’s a healthy environment and we need to let them settle in - some guys it will take longer than others."
The former India coach said he was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of talent waiting in the wings.
"The fast-bowling reserves are quite exciting and there are three or four of them who could be knocking on the door," he said.
"It’s very healthy for South African cricket that we have competitiveness with both bat and ball."
