South Africa’s veteran pacer Vernon Philander is all set to join Somerset on a Kolpak deal for the 2020 County season. Philander had recently announced his international retirement and the ongoing series against England is the last of his career. Philander had also represented Somerset in the past and he had a good time at the club.
Consequently, the South African opening pacer is looking forward to having a good County season with Somerset. Philander has been right on the money with his bowling and he would like to deliver the goods for the club. The right-arm pacer was the pick of the South African bowlers as he scalped four wickets for 16 runs in the first innings against England as the visitors were dismissed for 181.
Philander has been South Africa’s finest.
“I know that they won the 50-over cup last year and came close in the Championship and hopefully I’ll be able to help them to another successful year in 2020. Right now, I am 100% focused on the series against England and then my focus will turn to my next chapter.”
The Proteas pacer has had a good time with Somerset in the past as he had snared 23 wickets at an impressive average of 23.12 in the 2012 season. Philander played five matches as an overseas player in 2012. Somerset Director for Cricket Andy Hurry is thrilled to have Vernon Philander on board.
Speaking on Philander’s acquisition, Hurry said: “Vernon is undoubtedly a genuine world-class performer and we are delighted to have agreed to terms with such a talented player.
“When the possibility of signing him presented itself and considering the challenges that we feel lie ahead of us with regards to achieving our aspirations, we felt that it was too good an opportunity to miss.
“To put it simply, he is one of the very best bowlers in the game and he would add quality to any team in the world. His experience and knowledge of the game will also be of huge benefit to our bowling group, especially the young players looking to break into the First XI.
“The addition of Vernon to our bowling unit will enable us to continue to manage the workloads of all of our quality seamers through the demands of a full and demanding season even more effectively.
Vernon Philander has had an impressive career as he has taken 220 wickets in 61 Test matches at a fine average of 21.92. The medium-pacer who has the skills to move the ball both ways has made himself available for Somerset in all the formats.