Kallis wants South Africa to win with spin

South Africa stand-in captain Jacques Kallis hopes his side’s one-day international series against India at Stormont this week can help them unearth a world-class spinner.

Since their re-admission to the world game in 1991-92, the Proteas have struggled to find a consistent match-winning spin bowler, although the likes of Pat Symcox and Paul Adams had their moments.

At the recent World Cup in the Caribbean, South Africa often fielded an all-seam attack, with opening batsman and captain Graeme Smith, currently recovering from a knee injury, providing a spin option following the international retirement of left-armer Nicky Bojé.

That led to criticism that their bowling was too predictable, although it was their batting that let them down in a seven-wicket defeat by eventual champions Australia in their semi-final in St Lucia in April.

“The most important thing is to find out what we’ve got going forward,” Kallis yesterday said at Stormont, where the three-match series starts today.

“We’ve brought a lot of young guys on tour and there are a lot of spots that are available. It’s a chance for the youngsters to put up their hand and put in some big performances to try to get a permanent spot in the side.”

Off spinner Thandi Tshabalala, who has starred for the Free State Eagles in domestic cricket, took 1/22 in three overs on his one-day international debut on Sunday as the South Africans beat hosts Ireland by 42 runs.

Fellow off spinner Johan Botha has also been given a chance at international level, although concerns about the legitimacy of his action led to him being banned for throwing following his Test debut against Australia at Sydney in January 2006. However, he has since resumed his career.

“We are trying to find a bit of variety in our attack. Johan Botha went with the Afro-Asia side (to India earlier this month) to see what he’s got, and we’ve got Thandi here to see what he’s got,” Kallis said.

“Obviously, Muttiah Muralitharans and Shane Warnes don’t come round every day. We need to find someone where we know what we are going to get, someone who wins the odd game for the country.”

He added: “I do think we have a few guys in the pipeline who can produce the goods.”

One novice who has already seized his chance on this tour is the Cape Cobras’ Vernon Philander.

On Sunday the pace-bowling all-rounder marked his 22nd birthday by taking 4/12, the second-best return by a South African on his one-day international debut and the seventh-best overall.

Kallis, who believes Philander can fill the gap that will be left by the eventual retirement of Shaun Pollock, said: “To see a guy perform like that in his first game was admirable. Hopefully, one day when Polly has finished, he can take over from him, even though they are huge boots to fill.”