After South Africa routed hosts England on Monday by massive 340 runs, on the fourth day, in the second Test of the four-match Investec series, the Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis-led has effusively praised bowling all-rounder Vernon Philander while terming him as a ‘new Jacques Kallis’ of the team. (Read Here: ENG v RSA, 2nd Test Report: South Africa Rout England To Level The Series 1-1).
“He’s [Vernon Philander] becoming the new Jacques Kallis the way he’s batting,” du Plessis was quoted as saying by AFP, as he said of Philander, who was adjudged Man of the Match for the second Investec Test.
Showing the great character, retired Jacques Kallis was one of the splendid all-rounders, who has had contributed for the team during his prime, in the past.
The 41-year-old Cape Town-born Kallis had played 166 Test in which he had scored 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37. He has bagged 292 wickets, as he smashed 45 hundreds and 58 fifties in longer format.
The 32-year-old Bellville-born muscular Philander has played a crucial role to level the series at one each after showing his ability with the bat as well in the Trent Bridge Test, as Joe Root-led side’s loss is considered as worst in terms of runs at West Bridgford in Nottinghamshire.
“With the promotion to number seven, I backed his technique and he responded by getting crucial runs in this game,” du Plessis added.
Coming to bat at number seven position, Philander has struck a half century in the first innings, before scoring crucial 42 in the second innings in order to help his side – to set the massive target of 474.
“He’s a fantastic cricketer. When there’s something ther, he’s probably the best in the world at doing something with it,” du Plessis remarked.
Talking about the success of Philander with the ball, he claimed two wickets in his first innings and three in second innings respectively.
“He [Philander] stepped up to the plate,” du Plessis asserted after levelling the series at 1-1.
Earlier, Philander has show the form after scoring a fifty at Lord’s in the first Test which was comfortably won by England owing to the brilliance of all-rounder Moeen Ali.
England was bundled out for 133 in 44.2 overs, as Philander picked Keaton Jennings, Gary Ballance and Ben Stokes.
Interestingly, except former skipper Alastair Cook, who scored 42 of 76 balls, there was no other batsman, who could have spent quality time against South Africa bowling department.
Philander has equally responded to his captain by maintaining his line and the length after South Africa was hammered by 211 runs in the first Test, as du Plessis was unavailable owing to birth of his first child back home.
“We left a batsman out to play two all-rounders, with that comes extra responsibility,” du Plessis concluded.
In 45 Tests, Philander is averaging over 26 with the bat, as he has registered seven fifties to his name. He has bagged 169 wickets at an impressive average of 22.21.