Vernon Philander has been one of South Africa’s most consistent players in the ongoing series against England.
Whether it is batting or bowling, Philander has contributed in every department and perhaps that was the reason that Faf du Plessis included him in the playing eleven of the recently-concluded third Test even after the fast-bowler was unwell before the Test started.
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However, the gamble backfired, as Philander could not recover during the course of the game and had to leave the field on several occasions on the opening two days before going to the hospital during the Test as well. His departure on the second day proved costly, as England recovered from 120 for four and went on to post 353 which paved their way for a 239-run win.
Speaking after the game, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, while confirming that Philander was unwell before the game started, said his continued illness during the match was a big loss for the team.
“Vern [Philander] felt a bit nauseous the day of the game but the decision was still to stick with him because Vern on day one at 50 or 60% will still be better than most – he proved that with the way that he bowled when he still got two wickets,” said du Plessis. “But the expectation was that he’d get better on day two. The fact he wasn’t [well] was a big loss for us because he didn’t bowl enough in that first innings when there was an opportunity and you wanted your best bowlers to be there.”
While Philander’s two wickets on the first day had England reeling at 120 for four, the other fast-bowlers could not step up to the occasion and ended up conceding 246 runs for the combined seven wickets.
“Everyone thought that on day two he’d be fine after getting a good night’s rest and some fluids and food back in the system. Day two he was still the same and we needed him to bowl. As I said in a Test match you’re not always going to be 100% – just look at Morne Morkel’s toes and he’ll tell you that he bowls with them no matter what they look like. We were expecting more from him from an overs point of view. The fact that he didn’t get better, then he went to the hospital to get some energy back – that first inning we really missed him,” Du Plessis added.
South Africa’s batting did not help their cause either. In both the innings, the top-order failed to fire especially in the first innings when they looked clueless against debutant Toby Roland-Jones who ended up taking a fifer. And while du Plessis said that the conditions made it tough for the batsmen, he praised the debutant for the brilliant show.
“They didn’t give away any freebies, and that’s why they put us under so much pressure,” he said.
The only positive for South Africa from the game was Dean Elgar’s fighting knock of 136 runs. With wicket falling from end, the left-handed batsman held firm from the end but the lack of support ensured his valiant effort goes in vain. During the course of the innings, Elgar took several blows on the hands.
However, he confirmed he would be playing the final game of the series, starting on Friday.
“I’m still ready to play the next game. I’m not going to take (the protection) off. It’s part of the game, you have to roll with the punches and take the blows when they come your way,” he said.
“It puts me in a different mindset – it’s like the challenge is a little bit more. I guess only an opening batsman could see it that way. It’s something that gets me going, like chirping and stuff like that. I prefer not getting hit, but so be it, it’s part of the game, you have to take the blows. You have to look at the bigger picture, and that’s to try and contribute in a big way,” he added.
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