'An opportunity I couldn't turn down' - Vernon Philander excited to work with 'skillful' Pakistan youngsters

Former South Africa pace bowler Vernon Philander was announced as the bowling coach of the Pakistani team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup set to begin on October 17. Philander, who bid adieu last year from the international arena, was widely regarded as one of the best exponents of swing bowling. He was crafty and was unplayable if the pitches had a bit of seam movement.

Also, he comes with a huge amount of experience and Pakistani young bowlers will get to learn a lot from the former South African pacer. Philander said that he is excited to work with a group of skillful youngsters in the Pakistan team and is looking forward to working with them. In terms of coaching, the 36-year-old is new but hopes to evolve into the role gradually. He will also be joined by former Australia player Matthew Hayden during the global event.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also announced Ramiz Raja as the new chief executive on (September 13). It was Raja who had spoken to Philander about the coaching opportunity, which the former pace bowler duly obliged.

“Ramiz obviously called me up and asked if I was interested in joining the Pakistan team. It is a huge opportunity which I couldn’t turn down. It’s also really exciting to work with a group of skillful youngsters,” Philander told IOL Sport.

“Mohammad Hasnain is a really talented young bowler, and of course, there’s the big guy Shaheen Shah Afridi. I saw quite a bit of them during the recent series against South Africa, and I am really excited to be working with them.”

I would love to add value in terms of consistency: Vernon Philander

Philander further opined that he will look to add value and bring some consistency in the Pakistani bowling attack. “I would like to think that I can add value in terms of bringing some form of consistency to this young attack. They are an exciting group, and they also want to head in a direction where they play an attacking brand of cricket which is exciting to be a part of.”

Raja too is optimistic about Philanders’ appointment and feels it will benefit Pakistan cricket “I know him (Philander) well, he understands the nuances of bowling and has a great record in Australia,” he said.