Vernon Philander praises South Africa’s all-round performance against Australia in 2nd Test

Philander praises SA's all-round performance against AUS in 2nd Test

Johannesburg: South African pace bowler Vernon Philander, who wrecked havoc on the opening day of the second Test against Australia at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, has credited the “magnificent all-round performance” to put the visitors in the driver’s seat. The Proteas powered by Philander, who took five-wicket haul and Kyle Abbott, dashed hopes of the hosts of a memorable comeback notching up 8-wickets between them to bundle the home side for 85 runs. However, the fast bowler refused to take the praise following his 10th-career five-for, saying, “It was a magnificent all-round performance from everyone.” “Catches need to be taken, there was also a magnificent run-out, all those things add up to a collective team effort and allow you to bowl a team out. You need those things to go your way, it was a magnificent performance,” he was quoted as saying by Sport24.  FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test at Hobart

South Africa in reply struggled as Mitchell Starc inspired-Australia kept control in the flow of runs limiting the visitors’ to 170 for 5 taking a lead of 86 runs at stumps on Day One. “Looking at the scoreboard I think we are a little bit ahead. There is still a lot of work to be done, there is still a lot of cricket to be played. We are a team that wants to get as many runs as possible in the first innings to give us a big lead. The job is nowhere near done, there is a lot of cricket to come,” Philander said.

Temba Bavuma (38 not out) and Quinton de Kock (28 not out) will lead the response on Day Two. The Steve Smith-led side lost the first Test of the three-match series by 177 runs at the WACA.