Herman Mostert
Cape Town - Proteas seamer Vernon Philander has become the first South African to take three five-wicket hauls in his first three Tests.
Live scorecard
Philander claimed claim five for 53 in 13 overs to help South Africa bowl Sri Lanka out for 180 on Day 1 of the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The Sri Lankans were looking relatively comfortable on 156 for four before Philander struck three times in four overs to complete his hat-trick of five-wicket hauls in Test matches.
The Capetonian has now bagged 19 Test wickets in only five innings after he made his debut against Australia at Newlands on November 9. He took eight for 78 in that game, including his best figures of five for 15 in Australia's second innings when they were skittled out for 47 runs. South Africa went on to win the match by eight wickets.
In the second Test against the Aussies at the Wanderers he took five for 70 in the second innings when Australia chased down a target of 310 to square the series.
Philander's bowling figures after five innings now read: 19 wickets for 248 runs at an average of 13.05 and a strike rate of 24.
Cape Town - Proteas seamer Vernon Philander has become the first South African to take three five-wicket hauls in his first three Tests.
Live scorecard
Philander claimed claim five for 53 in 13 overs to help South Africa bowl Sri Lanka out for 180 on Day 1 of the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The Sri Lankans were looking relatively comfortable on 156 for four before Philander struck three times in four overs to complete his hat-trick of five-wicket hauls in Test matches.
The Capetonian has now bagged 19 Test wickets in only five innings after he made his debut against Australia at Newlands on November 9. He took eight for 78 in that game, including his best figures of five for 15 in Australia's second innings when they were skittled out for 47 runs. South Africa went on to win the match by eight wickets.
In the second Test against the Aussies at the Wanderers he took five for 70 in the second innings when Australia chased down a target of 310 to square the series.
Philander's bowling figures after five innings now read: 19 wickets for 248 runs at an average of 13.05 and a strike rate of 24.