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Cape Town – In a first-class season in which the batsmen have been responsible for most of the talking points, Vernon Philander has quietly strengthened his claim for a place in the national team.
The all-rounder from the Cape Cobras was comfortably the best bowler in the SuperSport Series. However, he still has a long road ahead before he will be able to barge down the door to the national team after his disappointing performances in the past.
Philander last played for the Proteas in a one-day series in 2008. He performed poorly and missed a number of easy catches.
There was also a feeling within the team management ranks that his fitness was not up to scratch and that he was not dedicated enough.
However, his 45 wickets at an incredible average of 14.73 in the SuperSport Series is definitely a step in the right direction.
Mickey Arthur believes Philander has enough talent to be able to play at national level. He was the Proteas’ coach when Philander last played for them in 2008.
“His talent was never in doubt. There were questions about how he handled the pressure at international level and also about his discipline and fitness,” said Arthur.
“His excellent form of the past season shows that he has taken the criticism to heart. I believe that he will get another chance at international level. How long he plays there will depend on his performances if he gets another opportunity.”
Philander was axed by the Cobras due to form at the start of the season and it appears as if the kick up the backside was the right medicine to get his career back on track.
It was a season in which the batsmen dominated with Stephen Cook, Rilee Rossouw and Dean Elgar all scoring more than 1 000 runs in the SuperSport Series.
There is, however, some concern over the bowlers’ struggles and consequently the depth at the Proteas’ disposal in the event of injuries.
Makhaya Ntini remains an option, but the other top performers with the ball this season were Quinton Friend (39 wickets) and Johann Louw (35).
Cape Town – In a first-class season in which the batsmen have been responsible for most of the talking points, Vernon Philander has quietly strengthened his claim for a place in the national team.
The all-rounder from the Cape Cobras was comfortably the best bowler in the SuperSport Series. However, he still has a long road ahead before he will be able to barge down the door to the national team after his disappointing performances in the past.
Philander last played for the Proteas in a one-day series in 2008. He performed poorly and missed a number of easy catches.
There was also a feeling within the team management ranks that his fitness was not up to scratch and that he was not dedicated enough.
However, his 45 wickets at an incredible average of 14.73 in the SuperSport Series is definitely a step in the right direction.
Mickey Arthur believes Philander has enough talent to be able to play at national level. He was the Proteas’ coach when Philander last played for them in 2008.
“His talent was never in doubt. There were questions about how he handled the pressure at international level and also about his discipline and fitness,” said Arthur.
“His excellent form of the past season shows that he has taken the criticism to heart. I believe that he will get another chance at international level. How long he plays there will depend on his performances if he gets another opportunity.”
Philander was axed by the Cobras due to form at the start of the season and it appears as if the kick up the backside was the right medicine to get his career back on track.
It was a season in which the batsmen dominated with Stephen Cook, Rilee Rossouw and Dean Elgar all scoring more than 1 000 runs in the SuperSport Series.
There is, however, some concern over the bowlers’ struggles and consequently the depth at the Proteas’ disposal in the event of injuries.
Makhaya Ntini remains an option, but the other top performers with the ball this season were Quinton Friend (39 wickets) and Johann Louw (35).
