Published: Jun 24, 2015, 02:42 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 24, 2015, 02:44 PM (IST)
South Africa’s bowling assassin in seaming wickets, Vernon Philander, turns 30 today. Since his Test debut, in an eventful game that witnessed two remarkable batting collapses and a match-winning performance from him, hee has taken eight five-wickt hauls, five four-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls in his bank of 121 wickets in 21 matches. He had become the second-fastest bowler in the world to possess 50 Test wickets and the fastest South African to get to 100. His strengths lie in nippy, accurate deliveries that are made to swing both ways.
His record in ODIs is also impressive, with 39 wickets in 28 matches at an average of 23.43. But it is in Tests he has had some memorable outings: he took 21 wickets in three matches in his country’s tour of New Zealand in 2012, helping them dominate the hosts and clinch a 1-0 series win. He was also prolific in the home series against Sri Lanka in 2011 and against Pakistan in 2013, both contests having his side gain victory. He has a bright future ahead for South Africa in his defined role.
