We want to win each and every Test match that we play, says Vernon Philander
Vernon Philander has issued a warning sign to the Indian team making it clear that the hosts will go into the last Test match looking for a win. The burly all-rounder has also added that if the Indians had arrived earlier in SA, they would have played much better than they actually did.
After a domineering performance by bat and ball over the course of the first two Test matches, the South African team managed to beat the Indians by 72 runs in the first Test and 135 runs in the second one. As a result of which, they saw themselves go 2-0 up in the series, leaving the Indians no chance of winning the series. But all-rounder Vernon Philander has made it clear that the team will leave no stones unturned going into the match with only one thing in their mind - victory.
"It is just another game of cricket for us, but we do want to win each and every single game we play. So, it doesn't matter that the Test series has already been won, we want to win all three matches," Philander said
"The emphasis is on preparation, and doing it well today and tomorrow. We want to win this Test as well. There are no dead rubber games for us. We want to prepare as well as we can and be ready for Wednesday. We want to regain the no.1 Test ranking and so we want to win each and every single Test. There are no dead rubbers when we play," he added.
Philander destroyed India in the first Test at Newlands as he claimed the wicket of 6 Indian batsmen and contributed with the bat as well. His contributions with the bat have also been appreciated during both Tests.
"Playing an extra batsman won't change things where I bat at no.7 or 8. I still have to contribute with bat and ball, and it won't make any massive difference to me as a player. I see myself as an all-rounder, and the rest is down to selectors and team management," he said.
Centurion turned out to be a debut to cherish for pacer Lungi Ngidi who picked up six wickets to propel South Africa to a 2-0 series victory against India. The occasion became sweeter for the pacer when he got the wicket that South Africa most desired in the second innings - Virat Kohli.Â
Speaking about the new star in the block, Philander said, “He’s a phenomenal talent. The thing was to keep him calm on debut and
