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Cape Town – It does not matter what will happen here the end of his career, Vernon Philander will become one of the biggest test bowlers that South Africa has ever produced.
His immaculate line and length and ability to make the most of conditions favorable to bowlers around the world have seen him stand out 205 Test wickets at an average of only 21.54.
He is the fastest cricketer since 1896 at 50 Wicket Mark test – he just took 7 matches – and he is also the fastest South African in history at 100 Test the scalps (19 matches).
The contribution of & # 39; Big Vern & # 39; Proteas in the longest format of the game can never be in doubt.
But, for whatever reason, Philander's career at ODI never really started.
His average of 24.04 and economy rate of 4.62 in the format suggests that he should brag much more than his current account 30 ODI peaks over a period of 11 years.
The obvious value of Philander for the Test Team may have meant that, over the years, Proteas brains made the conscious decision to extend his red ball career as long as possible. was limited.
Since taking part in the 2015 Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Auckland, Philander has not played two more than ODI, the last of which opposed the same opposition to Potchefstroom in August of the same year.
This means that Philander has spent well over three years without playing ODI.
All of this could be about to change when Proteas will host Pakistan with five ODIs early next year in Pakistan as part of a crucial preparation for the 2019 World Cup in England.
Philander will certainly participate in the three tests that start this tour, but he wants more than that.
Although the Proteas already have a pretty good idea of their best XI for the World Cup, there are still some uncertainties.
The most important interrogation point hovers above the versatile position # 7, where Captain Faf du Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson are looking for a player who is "70% a drummer and 30" % a bowler ". Although this division will never describe a player with Philander's obvious bowling ability, his batting strength can not be underestimated.
He is a technically correct player who has improved better and better with willow throughout his career, highlighted by a stroke of 104 for Cape Cobras against Dolphins less than a month ago.
Philander can more than stand with the bat and it's hard to separate what he's offering compared to likes such as Dwaine Pretorius, Wiaan Mulder and even the erratic Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo.
Philander's more immediate opportunity for the ODI, however, probably lies in the fact that Lungi Ngidi has been injured on the outside for three months.
This opens the door for Philander against Pakistan and he will want to make the most of this opportunity – if it presents itself.
Du Plessis and Gibson have not yet contacted, but the 33-year-old is hopeful.
"I would like (play against Pakistan) if I'm selected," said Philander Sport24 Tuesday.
"You still want to play for your country because it's such an honor.
"In recent years, the talks have been aimed at extending my career in the trials, but now that the World Cup is taking place in England, it's an opportunity to play cricket again with white ball and j & # 39; 39, would like a lot. "
It goes without saying that the English conditions, which traditionally favor bowling, would suit Philander perfectly.
That said, the Proteas seem to have settled on a quartet of bowlers Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir and Ngidi for the World Cup.
Philander should show Pakistan that he had the firepower to defeat the attack, or at least add weight to it, because Ngidi should be able to sustain the five FDI against Sri Lanka in March. next year.
"I think the boys played very well at bowling and you want the guys to compete for places," said Philander.
"As long as there is competition, it's good for everyone and we're mutually improving."
If Philander goes to the World Cup, he will join several other people who still feel the pain of this semi-final defeat against New Zealand in 2015.
Hashim Amla, Kock Quinton, Du Plessis, David Miller, JP Duminy, Steyn and Tahir all played in this match and should be on the plane for England next year.
"We all hurt and it's a pain that's been going on for a number of years," said Philander.
"We want to turn around and get the upper hand this time."
Philander currently represents Durban Heat in the Mzansi Super League. He will be in action soon Wednesday night in a clash against Paarl Rocks at Kingsmead.
The first ball must be played at 19h.
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