Philander now ranked two as a test bowler

Proteas fast bowler Vernon Philander climbed to a career-best second place in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings for test bowlers released on Tuesday.

Philander, who returned match figures of seven for 78 in the third and final test against England at Lord's, helping South Africa to a 2-0 series victory, leapfrogged Pakistani offspinner Saeed Ajmal in the ratings list.

The 27-year-old paceman was only 29 points behind fellow South African speedster Dale Steyn.

Philander, who receives a provisional ranking as he has played only 10 tests, also made 61 and 35 runs in his two innings with the bat at Lord's, lifting him to seventh position in the rankings for allrounders.

Meanwhile, Hashim Amla, who became the first South African to make a triple century in the first test and was named the Proteas' Player of the Series, reclaimed second position in the world rankings for batsmen.

Jacques Kallis dropped two positions to fourth in the batsmen's ratings and fell from the top spot to second place in the allrounders' rankings.

The Proteas moved back to the summit of the table in the test rankings for teams, climbing three points above England with the series victory.

The only dark cloud on the horizon is the age of Kallis. How muc longer can he continue as a top player?

I am surprised Philander is that old. I thought he would be about 25.

Whilst rightfully singing the praises of Philander I can't help but reflect on the utterings of  a poster who banged on about the lad being too old to be playing for the Proteas. Everytime Vernon picks up a 5 wicket haul I always wonder what the ignorant doos is thinking or whether he's just too busy scraping egg-nog from his dumb face. I won't mention his name but I'm sure you are all capable of working that one out.

 Vern came to test cricket at the right age. He would not have done so well when he was younger. It is his maturety that helps him. And that perfect line and lentgh obviously :) Congrats to Vern, let us hope he will challenge Steyn soon for the top spot. A healthy competition i hope.

Status: Bok regular
Posts: 779 RE: Philander now ranked two as a test bowler
August 22, 2012, 13:05:02

Whilst rightfully singing the praises of Philander I can't help but reflect on the utterings of  a poster who banged on about the lad being too old to be playing for the Proteas. Everytime Vernon picks up a 5 wicket haul I always wonder what the ignorant doos is thinking or whether he's just too busy scraping egg-nog from his dumb face. I won't mention his name but I'm sure you are all capable of working that one out.

I heard Vernon was a bit of a rebel in his younger days and was  overweight etc. This possibly held him back a bit.

What is certain is that he has learned his craft of swing bowling and today is a handful.

@Been

Whta are you trngyi to say?

Yuo aer consfunig evyeonre ovre here!

Flash you can blame it on Mike - he is setting me a bad example!