Pak-born leg spinner may soon make his debut for the Proteas

Johannesburg, Feb.19 (ANI): Having waited for four years to be eligible to play for South Africa, Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir is likely to make his debut for the national side sooner than later.

Lahorite Tahir is close to acquiring South African citizenship and is married to a South African woman.

He's a prodigious turner of the ball, and national team coach Micky Arthur, admits that wrist spin is the one missing link in his otherwise powerful unit.

So, there is a possibility of rushing Tahir into the international arena during Australia's tour of the Rainbow Nation.

He will represent the South African Board President's XI against the tourists in Potchefstroom from Friday.

"He will give us an option we've never really had. He's a high-quality leg spinner. I'm excited about having him with us. If you look at our team, probably the one component that has been missing all the way through has been this kind of bowler. He's gone through all the processes, he's been playing domestically here for about three years, he married a South African girl, and he's about to become a naturalised South African. He's going to be an invaluable contributor," says Arthur.

Tahir, 29, has 307 first-class wickets at 24.88. He was on the verge of Test selection in 2005 when he represented Pakistan A, but had to reject Pakistan selection for four years before South Africa could get their hands on him. That happens on April 1, just before the one-day series against Australia.(ANI)