VERNON PHILANDER in Hamilton is not a combination that appeals much to the locals, but it rolls off the South African tongue like nectar, as it evokes the happiest of memories.
Five years ago, Philander announced himself to the Kiwis with a startling display of seam bowling, including career-best figures of six for 44.
Though things have been quieter this time around in New Zealand, Philander remains an ominous prospect against a Kiwi line-up that has shown a constant yearning for nibbling outside off-stump, which plays straight into the hands of Philander.
As he looked ahead to the third and final Test, the new-ball assassin reflected on his previous visits
to his surroundings.
“There are good memories coming to Seddon Park,” Philander admitted on Thursday. “It’s a bit different this time around – the square looks a lot different, but we will see what it holds for us.”
The wickets have dried up this time around, but Philander’s experience has taught him that the wickets tend to get shared around evenly over the course of a series.
“There is always going to be a bowler who shines in certain Test matches,” he noted.
“The way Keshav (Maharaj) came out and bowled in Wellington and Dunedin is phenomenal. The wickets are on the slow side here, so it is an adjustment for us as seam bowlers. It’s a good challenge for us and we are looking forward to this one coming up.”
The challenge has been for Philander and company to keep at a particular line and length, and be more patient than the batsmen. With the Kiwis playing as many shots as they have over the first two Tests, the wickets have been tumbling quite regularly.
“The match (third Test) was evenly poised going into the third innings,” Philander said, looking back on the events in Wellington.
“The third innings, irrespective of where you play or how the match is poised, you either make it or break it. The way we came out and bowled in the first hour set it up for us. The heat was on them. If you lose
a few wickets without getting over the deficit, you are in trouble.”
Trouble has been New Zealand’s all too familiar habitat against the red-ball, and they have been plunged deeper into the quagmire. Already missing Ross Taylor and Trent Boult, they have now also lost the services of Tim Southee, who has a hamstring strain.
Those are three big blows to the heart of a team that needs its big players to stand up against a formidable foe. There had been hope that Taylor may return, especially as it is the last Test of the summer for them, ahead of a long break.
Philander, oblivious to the challenges that confront their opponents ahead of the game, is all too aware that they will still be a threat when they take the park.
“Test cricket is the best game to be a part of. It can change on any day or session. It takes half a session to change the whole game. That is the beauty of it,” he commented.
Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and it is easy for the incumbent South Africans to see the grass in a greener tinge than their hosts at the moment.
Philander, in particular, has reason to be in good spirits in Hamilton, and he will be eager to keep those good vibes going for another few days.
The Proteas are one clinical display away from clinching a series that they have dominated, and Philander and the rest of his senior contingent know that they can’t afford to take the foot off the pedal.
The third and final Test starts in Hamilton at midnight, with coverage on Supersport 2 from 11:30pm on Friday night (SA time).