TCP VERDICT

Vernon Philander, one of Test cricket’s most effective fast bowlers in recent years, has had stints with five county clubs without leaving a scratch on the memory.

It is difficult enough to remember the counties (Kent, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset and Sussex) let alone his performances for them. Mostly, they have been airbrushed from our collective consciousness. He has not been hopeless – we would remember if he had been. Just… forgettable.

Philander hardly made a big impact on his debut against Kent in April. He didn’t take a wicket and then limped home to South Africa with a groin injury.

When he made his comeback here against Durham, though, he was terrific – though still not at his best, for the pitch was a little benign. But he had match figures of six for 99 and raced in to sweep aside the opposition’s tail.

But Philander is playing an equally important role off the pitch. He is passing on his considerable knowhow to Jofra Archer, one of the most exciting prospects in domestic cricket. Archer has taken 18 wickets in Sussex’s three opening Championship matches. And he is the second top run-scorer, with 223 runs.

Sussex, with a powerful batch of fast bowlers, look capable of getting into the promotion race after this performance. But the news is more gloomy for Durham. They may have to go into the loan market to reinforce a hard-pressed squad.