Philander given extra time to prove his fitness
WELLINGTON: Vernon Philander will be given until the week of South Africa’s quarter-final to prove he is fit enough to continue being part of this World Cup.
Philander was due to start the match against Pakistan, but complained of tightness in his hamstring and underwent a fitness test before the team’s warm-up on Saturday.
While AB de Villiers denied the bowler had a fitness test – perhaps he simply didn’t see the events unfold involving Philander, bowling coach Allan Donald and physiotherapist Brendan Jackson before the match against Pakistan – an opportunity had been granted to the all-rounder to prove his readiness for the match.
Philander bowled about 10 deliveries off about two thirds of his full run and was in constant communication with Jackson, until the trio went to inform Russell Domingo that Philander wouldn’t be fit enough to play.
Kyle Abbott was quickly told he’d be playing and went on to take two wickets, adding to the six he picked up in his two previous matches, though he’ll admit he didn’t bowl with the same accuracy he displayed against Ireland and the West Indies.
“It was a curve ball just before the game,” De Villiers admitted. “It would be nice to have Vern, batting at eight, even though Abbo was one of the better batters (on Saturday). Vern is a good all-rounder and hopefully he’ll be ready for the next game.
“There is nothing else I can say, other than he’s just not fit at the moment. We need to try and get him there.”
Philander, meanwhile, faces another critical few days. At some stage the management and the selectors have to make a decision about whether he can play at all or whether he should be flown home and a replacement called up to the squad.
While all options remain on the table, the management want to give Philander as long as possible to prove his fitness. The trouble is hamstring injuries are notoriously fickle.
As De Villiers stated, even with South Africa carrying seven frontline batsmen, like they did against Pakistan on Saturday at Eden Park, they want the surety of Philander at No 8. Dale Steyn, while capable with the bat, is batting one spot too high for someone of his calibre.