'Kirsten has very good man management skills'

MUMBAI: Former South African captain Dr Ali Bacher said Indian cricket team's coach-designate and compatriot Gary Kirsten possessed excellent man management skills which will come handy when he takes over the reins on March 1.

"To me he's a terrific person with excellent man management skills. He's got no ego problem. Your people (Cricket Board) have made a very good choice," Bacher said.

"I don't think Gary was as talented as his brother Peter. But he worked so hard and kept his focus so well that he ended up as a world class player," said Bacher.

Turning his attention to the forthcoming three-Test series between South Africa and India, starting in Chennai next month, Bacher felt that though his country has unearthed two genuinely fast bowlers in Dale Steyn and Mornie Morkel, the batting looked a bit wobbly.

"There are two outstanding fast bowlers. Dale Steyn is quick but frail. Mornie Morkel is a giant. I remember the day when my ribs were broken when I faced his father who too was a giant at 6-foot, 8-inches," he said.
   
"I am concerned about the batting. They depend a lot on (Jacques) Kallis and (captain Graeme) Smith who is a good player under pressure. But the top six can wobble a bit and I'm worried," Bacher said.

He also rued the absence of a quality spinner for a long time and singled out Hugh Tayfield as the best-ever slow bowler produced by his country.

"Spin bowling has always been a problem. Our best spinner has been Hugh Tayfield who did not turn the ball much but had unbeatable control and variations," he pointed out.