The one eye catching aspect about South Africa has been the side’s ability to get in world class pacers. Even if their first line pacers don’t make the cut courtesy an injury, they’ve able replacements in the ranks for those particular pacers. With their ace pace guns Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel out with injuries and Kyle Abbott seeking a premature retirement in international cricket, there isn’t a big reason to worry.
The motive behind that is the fact Vernon Philander is now in line for an ODI recall for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Philander, who was the Man of the series against Australia Down Under, is expected to make a comeback to the ODI setup after last playing a game against New Zealand in mid-2015.
Bowling coach Charl Langeveldt admitted that Philander is being considered for limited-overs outings against New Zealand and England.
“It’s going to be a big concern in England where you need to take wickets up front,” Langeveldt said. “We always say if we get a team three down early, we’ve got a good chance of winning the game so we’re trying a few things but we are still at the stage where we are finding who is going to be the opening partner to ‘KG’ (Kagiso Rabada).
“In English conditions, if it’s overcast, Vernon would be the perfect guy to play. He fits our mould if we are looking for a guy with a new ball that can bowl you five overs up front. We are looking at all possibilities,” he concluded.