MELBOURNE, Jan 15: Upcoming fast bowling talent Ben Hilfenhaus is being billed in Australian cricket circles to eventually take mantle from outgoing pace spearhead Glenn McGrath.

The 23-year-old has been Tasmanian cricket's ‘special project’ for past six summers and is now raring to break into international scene.

Hilfenhaus was exposed to international cricket in Twenty20 match against England where bowler impressed with his two-wicket haul.

McGrath, after watching him in action, described him as ‘tremendous, very impressive’, and others have also been quick to heap praise on youngster.

One of few people not surprised by way Hilfenhaus has taken critics by storm is his state coach Tim Coyle.

“He's been a project. Ben came through our youth programme and he's had a few stints at Cricket Academy,” Coyle said.

“He's as strong as an ox, he's got a really big engine and his body is fantastic. Ben has tremendous ability to swing ball at a good pace but he keeps game very simple. He's great to work with and every time he goes out to bowl he improves,” he was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.—Agencies