Adam Gilchrist has backed England wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter to make the transition from Twenty20 star to Test regular.

Kieswetter rose to prominence last month when he produced a series of destructive innings to guide England to ICC World Twenty20 glory in the Caribbean.

The England selectors' decision to choose Kieswetter over regular wicketkeeper Matt Prior paid off as the South Africa-born player racked up a series of impressive knocks, including a match-winning top score of 63 in the final against Australia.

Prior's indifferent form over the winter - the Sussex man passed 50 only twice during England's tour of South Africa - and Kieswetter's undoubted ability with the bat have led to calls for the 22-year-old to be given a chance to prove himself at Test level.

Kieswetter sought advice from Gilchrist when he was coming through the ranks at Somerset alongside former Australia Test batsman Justin Langer.

Ever since then, Gilchrist has kept an eye on Kieswetter's progress and he now thinks that the Johannesburg-born wicketkeeper is ready for Test cricket.

"His development has been amazing," said Gilchrist.

"I remember standing outside my house in Perth some winters ago and I got a phone call from Justin, who was on the team bus and he had some young South African wicketkeeper batsman who was trying to cut his teeth in county cricket.

"I can't claim to have given him any magical advice that worked wonders but he obviously has the talent, skill and desire to get there and I have been really impressed with the way he's done it.

"I have seen him bat a bit. He looks strong. He's big and aggressive. In the T20 that I saw him he was very selective in his shots. He wasn't just a thrashing machine.

"There is no reason why he couldn't develop into a Test player.

"He looks hungry enough for me. He has gone out and performed on the international stage relatively well and has made an impression."

Critics have pointed to Kieswetter's lapses behind the stumps as the reason why 28-year-old Prior should remain England's first choice in the longest format of the game.

But Gilchrist, who represented his country almost 400 times in a successful international career, believes that Kieswetter's wicketkeeping will improve quickly if he is given exposure at Test level.

"I have seen him keep very little but his keeping must be of decent enough quality and standard to instil confidence in others for him to do that job for England at T20 level," said the 38-year-old.

"I know, from experience, that his batting will develop the more he is exposed at that top level but his keeping will develop twice as quickly."

Prior has fought off competition from Tim Ambrose, James Foster and Chris Read to remain England's number one since he took made 126 not out on debut against West Indies in 2007.

Prior has only passed 100 once since then, but Gilchrist believes he adds character to the England dressing room, which will make it hard for Kieswetter to oust him from the team.

"I was impressed with the punchiness that Matt Prior brought to the England line-up, principally with his personality and the type of man he is," said Gilchrist.

"I don't know him personally but he looks like the kind of man who gives a bit of presence to the middle order along with his keeping as well.

"I think he has added a lot. I believe he is one of the hardest working members of the team, if not the hardest.

"Maybe it could be a good thing for him to have a bit of pressure around to have competition for the squad. It'll keep him sharp."