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

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

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

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

One of the few people not surprised by the way Hilfenhaus has taken the 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 the 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 the tremendous ability to swing the ball at a good pace but he keeps the 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 Sydney Morning Herald'.