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Pick Tahir at Newlands - Gogga

Cape Town - Former Proteas spinner Paul "Gogga" Adams has called for leg-spinner Imran Tahir's inclusion in South Africa's team for the first Test against Australia at Newlands.

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Adams told the Rapport newspaper that there's "no doubt" that Tahir should be utilised ahead of Paul Harris for the Test in Cape Town on November 9.

"Imran deserves a chance because we need someone that can claim four or five wickets, even if he concedes a couple of runs.

"Harris has had numerous chances, but failed to do much recently to justify his inclusion," said Adams.

Adams says he also won't take the risk of picking both Tahir and Harris - even though a turning pitch is expected at Newlands.

"It's too much of a risk, as then your batting tail will be too long.

"I'd rather give someone like Vernon Philander a chance as the third seam bowler, because his performances at first class level this past year were fantastic and he's a more than useful batsman," said Adams.

Highveld Lions and Proteas opening batsman, Alvirio Petersen, also feels Tahir could provide the necessary spark the Proteas need.

"If they (the selectors) want a defensive spinner who can stop the flow of runs, then Paul (Harris) is first choice, but if you need someone that can bowl teams out, there's no doubt (that Tahir should be included)," said Petersen.

The Proteas missed an attacking spinner in recent years at Newlands. A couple of seasons ago they struggled to bowl out England in the final innings and the same scenario played itself out earlier this year against India. Harris was the spinner on both those occasions and he failed to provide the necessary spark to ignite a victory.

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