Cape Town - Proteas bowler Vernon Philander has made his return from an ankle injury and is back playing for the Cape Cobras.
The 33-year-old has been sidelined since being ruled out of the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo back in July.
Sport24 reported last month that Philander's injury was more serious than initially feared and that he was being managed with the 2019 World Cup in mind.
Not on the tour to Australia, Philander was on Monday morning named in the Cobras' starting side for their 4 Day Franchise Series clash against the Dolphins.
If all goes well in the next few weeks, Philander will be hoping to be back in Proteas colours when Pakistan visits over the festive season.
There are five ODIs scheduled for that tour, and that may be Philander's last chance to show that he is deserving of a place in the 15-man squad that will travel to England for the World Cup.
Cobras captain @dane_piedt63 did not hesitate to bowl under cloudy skies at Newlands, especially with the return of "the best bowler in the world" Vernon Philander to @CobrasCricket line-up! @IOLsport @VDP_24 @VincentBarnes50 #COBvDOL #FourDayCricket pic.twitter.com/sY7liTj8wn
— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) October 29, 2018