Vernon Philander sent for tests following stomach illness

South Africa all-rounder Vernon Philander has been sent to the hospital to find out the exact cause of the stomach problem he has been facing for the past few days. Philander has been a leading cricketer for the visitors in this Test series as he has done a tremendous job with both bat and bowl.

All-rounder misses most part of Day 2

Philander went off the field on Day 1 after bowling just four overs with the new cherry. Just 24 balls with the brand new ball were enough for him to provide an early breakthrough as he sent back Keaton Jennings for a duck. He later returned after lunch, eventually bowling 12 overs on the opening day in which he gave away 17 runs and got the big wicket of Joe Root later. On day 2, the 32-year old bowled just five more overs to return with figures of 2/32.

Philander played a pivotal role in helping South Africa to stage a comeback in the series at Trent Bridge, winning the Man of the Match award for his all-round show. The stomach condition that the all-rounder had developed is said to be more serious than what they initially thought. The exact cause will only come out after running certain tests.

Philander an asset for South Africa 

Philander has been a quality player for South Africa, especially in the long form of the game. In 45 Tests, he has 171 wickets to his name at 22.14 with 11 five-wicket hauls to his name. With the bat, he has recorded 7 half centuries batting in the lower order. In all, he has made 1176 runs at 26.13 per innings.

Playing in England has helped Philander’s style of bowling as he is relishing the conducive seam bowling conditions. He has, so far, snapped 10 wickets at 18 apiece. His absence hurt the visitors dearly as Ben Stokes took full toll on the rest of the bowling to record a memorable hundred. It is not clear if Philander will take further part in the game.