Philander backs new Proteas skipper
Vernon Philander is fit and ready for Test cricket once again – and is hoping to get back to his best against England.
The South African seamer has recently overcome a fresh ankle injury playing county cricket and beefs up a dangerous looking Proteas bowling attack.
With a couple of inexperienced batsmen in the line-up, the South African bowlers will have their work cut out for them in the first Test. Having played a number of seasons domestically in England, Philander says there’s plenty for the seamers to work with.
“There’s always a little something there for the new ball. Conditions obviously depend on overheads as well. We always look forward to playing Test cricket against some of the stronger nations, it always brings out the best in us. We’ve got a hell of a record away from home and hopefully we can build on that,” Philander said.
“I’ve always liked bowling and playing here, that’s why I’m always back on the county circuit I suppose. I love England and the conditions.”
Philander’s Test experience will come in handy in the first Test, as Dean Elgar takes over the captaincy for the first time with Faf du Plessis still in South Africa. While Elgar certainly won’t need his hand to be held, Philander believes the new skipper will do well.
“It’s an opportunity for someone else to step up and lead the country and we’ve got faith in Dean. If you have the support of the other ten guys on the field it will make his job easier. It’s big losing Faf but we all understand the circumstances.
“He’s got a job to do and I would like to think he will do it in honour of his country. Irrespective of whether it’s one, two or ten Test matches. Each time we go out there we represent our country, it could be your final Test match so we’ll give it our best.
“I’d like to wish him well in his first one, hopefully we’ll get a win under the belt and put a bit of pressure on Faf,” Philander said.
While England have some big name batsmen in their lineup, Philander brushed off any suggestions that they would be targeting certain individuals. The Proteas veteran says the bowling unit is aiming to clean up across the board..
“We’ve got to take 10 wickets an innings, the value of each of those wickets is exactly the same. I know you obviously have top-order batsmen that you want to get out early. We’re not targeting anyone in particular, whether it’s getting Joe Root out early or Cook, our emphasis is to take 20 wickets in a game."