Graeme Smith backs Imran Tahir to play second Test – Cricket News Update
South Africa’s Test skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-c64193 Tahir will be a part of the second Test of the two match series against Australia at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
The Proteas won the first Test of the series, courtesy a spectacular bowling performance from pacers http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753.
The latter of the three was making his debut in the longest version of the game and took eight wickets in the game. He dismissed three wickets in the first innings and shattered the Aussie batting lineup, claiming a five-for in their second outing.
Philander had a dream debut and was awarded as the player of the match after http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 won the match comfortably by eight wickets.
However, another debutant Tahir did not have a very good time in the match, as he failed to pick up even a single wicket in the match.
There was nothing wrong with the Pakistani-born spinner’s bowling, but he did not get a proper chance to make an impression.
Tahir bowled only 10 overs during the first innings and did not get a chance to bowl a single delivery in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746’s second outing.
The reason for that was the pitch in Cape Town had a lot of assistance for the seamers and the home side did not need the spinner to take wickets from one end.
Despite not getting much importance in the first Test, Tahir will be confident of a good show in the upcoming match, according to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598.
The Proteas skipper said, “Imran's first Test would have been good for his self-confidence and he will continue to grow into his new role. He has already learnt a lot from the couple of overs he bowled, but the overhead conditions and batting service offered
very little assistance - while the seamers were able to cash in.”
Tahir will be hoping to get a spinner friendly wicket in Johannesburg in order to cement his place in the South African playing eleven. He will be under some pressure, but a few wickets will do the job for the leg-spinner.
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