Vernon Philander returns from injury after 8 months

South African pacer Vernon Philander returns to international cricket in the four-day series between South Africa A and Zimbabwe A, which will commence on July 9. He suffered an ankle injury in November 2015 which forced him out of the squad during the tour of India and also missed out the series against England.

“The body is feeling real good,” Philander said on Friday (July 8).”I’ve obviously been out for quite a few months. I never quite knew the severity of the injury until a couple of months after and it’s been coming and going, but these last few weeks it’s really been holding up. I’m just looking forward to getting out there and playing cricket again.”

Since then, he has played three first-class matches for Western Province and has bagged 10 wickets. Next month, New Zealand will be touring South Africa, and Philander has eyes on getting into the squad. He has enough time and opportunity left with him to impress the selectors.

The likes of Sisanda Magala, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius and Hardus Viljoen in the team will benefit having someone like Philander with international experience in the squad. The paceman has claimed 126 wickets so far from the 32 Tests he had played.

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“As much as it’s about me getting back, it’s also about me sharing my knowledge with these younger guys out here,” he added. “I’m certainly looking forward to the first trip to Zimbabwe and the Australian one straight afterwards.”

He believes that he is making his contribution to South African cricket as long as he can help youngsters come through. “As long as I can help the younger ones coming through, I think I’ll be playing my part in South African cricket,” Philander concluded.