Vernon Philander led a relentless South African bowling performance against England on Day 2 of the first Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Philander took four for 16 in 14.2 overs as the Proteas appeared to have taken control by bowling out Joe Root & Co. for 181 – a first-innings lead of 103.
South Africa were 72 for four in their innings at the close of play. They now lead by 175 runs on a pitch, which has proved difficult for batsmen throughout.
Philander, who has announced he will retire from international cricket at the end of the ongoing four-match Test series, produced a masterclass of control to complement the strike power of fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada (3/68) and Anrich Nortje (2/47).
For England, Joe Denly hit a half-century after a shaky start. He added partnerships of 55 for the third wicket with captain Root (29) and 72 for the fourth wicket with Ben Stokes (35).
England collapsed, however, after Denly was caught behind off an inside edge to give debutant Dwaine Pretorius his maiden Test wicket.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Vernon Philander : 14.2-8-16-4
Exceptional control, skill and patience from the veteran quick. Too good for England#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/rEPGfGmiWr
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) December 27, 2019
14.2-8-16-4
Test cricket will miss Vernon Philander 😢 #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/Rrx8RVQr8s
— ICC (@ICC) December 27, 2019
Look at this! The boy who learned 2 play cricket at the anti-apartheid Tygerberg cricket club on the Cape Flats was not only SA’s top bowler but a devastating bowler in today’s first innings: SA v England. Vernon Philander took 4 wickets for 16 runs and helped SA bowl out England pic.twitter.com/TvacqNGlZe
— cheryl roberts (@cherylroberts00) December 27, 2019
Vernon Philander in South Africa is as difficult as Anil Kumble in India. The combination of bowler and place is one of the uniquely wonderful things about Test cricket.
— cricketingview (@cricketingview) December 27, 2019
Philander in the wickets as he nears the end. Will be missed. #SAvENG #Cricket #ICC
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 27, 2019
Sat in a team meeting with the Vern day , and if you know the game you know the amount of dismissals there are in the game. But Vern said there are 3 dismissals in a game , bowled , LBW and caught behind . That told me the skill of the man! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Dane Piedt (@dane_piedt63) December 27, 2019
South Africa's record at home when Vernon Philander plays.
Played 32
Won 23
Drawn 3
Lost 6
Win percentage: 71.87% #SAvsENG— Sam 🏏⚽️🏈 (@sammy5456) December 27, 2019
@VDP_24 is a genius. Will be sorely missed! #SAvsENG
— Jacques Rudolph (@Jacques_Rudolph) December 27, 2019
England lost 7-39 in a remarkable collapse that saw them bowled out for 181. SA have a very useful lead of 103.
Brilliant bowling display from SA, especially Vernon Philander (4-16) 👏#SAvENG #ProteaFire
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 27, 2019
Perfect wicket for @VDP_24 to show off his skill. Well bowled Vern. 3 rd innings will be interesting now
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) December 27, 2019
