Proteas in England
Vernon, Kallis up for ICC award
2012-08-01 16:45
Johannesburg - Proteas cricketers, Vernon Philander and Jacques Kallis, have been shortlisted for the annual International Cricket Council (ICC) People's Choice Award.
The pair are up against India's Sachin Tendulkar, Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara and James Anderson from England for the only ICC award decided by the fans.
Their brilliant individual performances over the year have earned them the entry onto the list which is nominated by the ICC elite panel of cricket experts.
Philander was crowned as the SA Cricketer of the Year in June, after an excellent debut season with the Proteas' Test squad.
He became the fastest player in the modern era to take 50 wickets in only seven matches, and has taken an incredible six five-wicket hauls and two 10 wicket-hauls in the eight matches for his country.
"My favourite moment of the year is definitely my debut game for South Africa," said Philander, who has a career average of 15.66 with the ball.
"We bowled Australia out for 47 at my home ground Newlands and I got the Man of the Match award, I will remember it for a very long time."
Kallis brought in the new year with a double century at his home ground, Newlands, in January and more recently scored 182 not out against England in the Proteas' innings and 12 run victory at The Oval.
The accolades keep flowing for Kallis, however he remains humbled by each nomination.
"It means a lot to be nominated for the People's Choice Award," said Kallis.
"It's very rewarding, and humbling to receive the recognition after having a good year for the side."