Sport - Cricket

Koertzen roots for Kirsten

Kolkata: Elite ICC panel umpire Rudi Koertzen believes countryman Gary Kirsten would prove an effective coach for India.

“He has the right technical attributes and is mentally strong. I am sure he will deliver,” Koertzen told The Hindu here on Thursday night. He is one of the two standing umpires in the on-going second Test.

The left-handed Kirsten, BCCI’s first choice for the coach’s job, had a distinguished career as a top-order batsman for South Africa and Koertzen has seen him from close quarters.

Said Koertzen, “Apart from his credentials as a cricketer, I like his attitude. He played the game in a fair manner, never created a scene on the field, and seldom questioned an umpiring decision.”

Asked whether a quiet man like Kirsten would be able to assert himself as India’s coach Koertzen responded, “You don’t have to shout from the rooftop to be a good coach. He may be a quiet man but he is a very firm and a strong man in his own right.

“He has been the high-performance manager of a prominent team in South Africa. I do not think he will be soft. At the same time, I do not think he would be rude,” said Koertzen.

He added, “I am sure Gary would be looking forward to the challenge. He liked tough situations as a batsman. India would be a tough assignment as a coach. He should be able to carry the players with him.” — Special Correspondent

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu