Imran Tahir, Pakistan-born leg-spinner, should be brought into the national squad as soon as possible, if South African cricket are to benefit from the spin wizard who has just acquired citizenship through naturalisation.
Omar Henry, a former national cricket selection convener, said yesterday that if he was still at the helm of South Africa’s selectors he would have the former Pakistan Under-19 and Pakistan A tweaker playing at Newlands, where the Proteas are presently playing India in the third Test.
Henry has always been a keen student of the game and served in various capacities of South African cricket for several years and he is on record as the first player of colour to represent the Proteas on their return to international cricket in 1992.
“I would have had him playing here at Newlands already,” said Henry. “He is a necessity and I would have him playing in all three forms of the game for South Africa. “And as for the World Cup he should be a first choice. On the sub-continent the wickets are such that on occasions one can easily play two spinners at a time.”
Former England paceman Robin Jackman, who has worked the local cricket circuit for several years as a commentator, feels that Tahir offers much more than the conventional leg-spinner.
“It’s exciting for cricket and exciting for South Africa,” said Jackman. “If he became eligible six months ago he would have been in frame for selection across the board but at this early stage – of his residential qualification – he’s probably looked upon as a Test prospect, and I don’t think he’ll go to the World Cup.
“It’s wonderful that the country can call on a leg-spinner that can offer so much more.”
But the most telling assessment of Tahir’s ability was by Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas. Two years ago Tahir stepped into the shoes of the retired legend Shane Warne at Hampshire and Mascarenhas was so impressed that he declared: “He’s been gold. absolute gold.”
In this domestic season alone, Tahir has bagged 30 wickets in just four games for the Dolphins in the Super Sports series.
Besides fulfilling his dream of playing international cricket courtesy of his newfound immigration status, Tahir has plans to kick start a better life for his family. “My wife has been a pillar of strength for me throughout the long wait. I now want to reward her with a new house because as a citizen accessing funding is much more easy. She really deserves nothing less as you know the life of a sports man involves many hours from home,” said Tahir.
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Omar Henry, a former national cricket selection convener, said yesterday that if he was still at the helm of South Africa’s selectors he would have the former Pakistan Under-19 and Pakistan A tweaker playing at Newlands, where the Proteas are presently playing India in the third Test.
Henry has always been a keen student of the game and served in various capacities of South African cricket for several years and he is on record as the first player of colour to represent the Proteas on their return to international cricket in 1992.
“I would have had him playing here at Newlands already,” said Henry. “He is a necessity and I would have him playing in all three forms of the game for South Africa. “And as for the World Cup he should be a first choice. On the sub-continent the wickets are such that on occasions one can easily play two spinners at a time.”
Former England paceman Robin Jackman, who has worked the local cricket circuit for several years as a commentator, feels that Tahir offers much more than the conventional leg-spinner.
“It’s exciting for cricket and exciting for South Africa,” said Jackman. “If he became eligible six months ago he would have been in frame for selection across the board but at this early stage – of his residential qualification – he’s probably looked upon as a Test prospect, and I don’t think he’ll go to the World Cup.
“It’s wonderful that the country can call on a leg-spinner that can offer so much more.”
But the most telling assessment of Tahir’s ability was by Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas. Two years ago Tahir stepped into the shoes of the retired legend Shane Warne at Hampshire and Mascarenhas was so impressed that he declared: “He’s been gold. absolute gold.”
In this domestic season alone, Tahir has bagged 30 wickets in just four games for the Dolphins in the Super Sports series.
Besides fulfilling his dream of playing international cricket courtesy of his newfound immigration status, Tahir has plans to kick start a better life for his family. “My wife has been a pillar of strength for me throughout the long wait. I now want to reward her with a new house because as a citizen accessing funding is much more easy. She really deserves nothing less as you know the life of a sports man involves many hours from home,” said Tahir.
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