Cricket South Africa Eager To See Vernon Philander In Action
Nov 2, 2023 at 3:38 PM
Having the role as an all-rounder, fast bowler Vernon Philander, who’s nursing ankle sprain would be aiming to make his return as a regular bowling option on the side, as he has emerged as a fine prospect for the South Africa over past many years.
“He [Vernon Philander] is expected to be fit for the Test series” Cricket South Africa media officer Lerato Malekutu was qoted by Sport24.co.za.
The reports suggested Philander in recovering from his injury, as he is expected to get examined by Cricket South Africa (CSA), as soon as possible in order to see him bowling again while donning the white jersey of the Proteas.
“South Africa’s likely four-strong specialist Test attack seemed to be taking shape nicely for the Lord’s opener, with Morkel set fair to join Radaba, Philander and budding left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj in a solid-looking alliance,” wrote Rob Houwing for Sport24.co.za.
In the four-match Basil d’Oliveira Trophy, Proteas management would be having a keen eye on Philander in a bid to regain the trophy with the Test series kick starting at the iconic Lord’s.
However, Philander is aiming to shape up quickly in order to meet the demand of Test arena after rolling his ankle during the fielding against Leicestershire on June 9.
In the same match, Philander smashed unbeaten 73 and picked a solitary wicket of Ben Raine after conceding 57 runs in his 16 overs.
The 31-year-old has featured in 43 innings in which he has bagged 161 wickets at an impressive average of 22.39 which included eleven five-wicket hauls and seven four wickets hauls.
South Africa is scheduled to play three-match Twenty20 series against England which will kickstart in Southampton from June 21, as Philander would be aiming to make his ODI return since playing his last ODI against New Zealand in 2015
Talking about his fitness, Philander has played a crucial role while bolstering the bowling attack of the Proteas in the recent past, as South Africa is scheduled to play Test series beginning on July 6.
In April this year, Philander picked the groin injury when he was participating in the Specsavers Championship Div Two game for English County side Sussex against Kent at Hove.
Since April 14, Philander has played six matches for Sussex in which he bagged 20 wickets which further saw him scoring vital runs.
The Bellville-born also played his seven Twenty20 Internationals in which he claimed just four wickets at an average of 28.50.
When Proteas thrashed England by 2-0 in the three-match series, Philander claimed 12 wickets at an impressive average of 23.66.