Proteas
Kirsten worried over Vernon
2012-03-29 13:38
Gary Kirsten (Gallo Images)
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Cape Town - Gary Kirsten admitted that it is a "little bit concerning" that seamer Vernon Philander will head straight into two months of county cricket after a busy season.
According to the
Cricinfo website, Philander played in seven of the eight Tests South Africa contested this season and turned out in all formats for his franchise, the Cobras. He will not have a break until the end of May, a month before South Africa's tour to England.
Kirsten said despite the packed schedule, Philander must honour his contract with Somerset as it was agreed to before he became a nationally contracted player.
Philander stunned the international stage with his consistent wicket-taking this season and was awarded a CSA contract in January, which comes into effect on April 1.
He will play eight matches for Somerset starting on April 5, when they host Middlesex in their first Championship match.
Kirsten said it is vital Philander sees out his contract, but hoped CSA can work with Somerset to ensure he is not overworked or burnt out.
County seasons are known to be gruelling on most and South Africans have sometimes struggled to keep up. Dale Steyn was one of the bowlers who had a tough time adjusting during his 2005 stint at Essex and Lonwabo Tsotsobe also battled in his time at the same county last season.