IND vs SA | Our spinners will have to step up during Tests, reckons Vernon Philander
Vernon Philander believes spinners will be crucial in the subcontinent when they take on India in the three Test-series and has urged them to be prepared to take advantage of the fact. He further talked about the importance of pace bowlers to support them and heaped praise on Kagiso Rabada.
With South Africa set to begin their World Test Championship campaign on the second of October against the world’s number one side India in their own playground, Vernon Philander believes the key will lie in how their spinners perform. The dry pitches in the country have always been a big advantage for the hosts any time a non-Asian country visits them and the proteas need to make sure they can exploit the conditions just as well to have a chance of winning.
“The pitches for the Tests will be spinner-friendly. There's no doubt about that. Our spinners will have to step up,” he was quoted saying by Sportstar.
Considering the conditions in South Africa are more often inclined to favour fast bowlers instead of spinners, the retirement of Imran Tahir means the team is left with an inexperienced trio of spinners. Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt have played only a combined 32 Tests, while Senuran Muthusamy is yet to make his international debut.
Philander however stated that the pace bowlers will also have an important role to play and provide the spinners with a platform to weave their webs. The veteran is currently honing his skills by playing for South Africa ‘A’ in an attempt to acclimatize to the conditions.
"Having said that, the seamers will be used in short bursts, so we will have to make an impact. Taking wickets with the new ball is important, as this will set up the game nicely for the spinners. It will be hard work for the pacers, but I’m looking forward to it,” he added.
With the country’s highest wicket taker Dale Steyn having announced their retirements, the onus will be on Kagiso Rabada and Philander to spearhead the pace attack. Rabada has in the past been at the throne in the format but the 24-year-old will be seeking guidance from the campaigner who has 58 Tests under his belt.
“Rabada is a world-class bowler. He is a wonderful prospect for South Africa. Rabada and I will lead the attack. But my role will go a little further than being just the new ball bowler. We will sit and work out plans for each batsman, as well as the conditions,” Philander signed off.