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
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst)
14.2-8-16-4
Test cricket will miss Vernon Philander 😢
— ICC (@ICC)
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
— cheryl roberts (@cherylroberts00)
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)
Philander in the wickets as he nears the end. Will be missed.
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg)
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)
South Africa's record at home when Vernon Philander plays.
Played 32
Won 23
Drawn 3
Lost 6
Win percentage: 71.87%— S A M 🏏⚽️🏈 (@sammy5456)
is a genius. Will be sorely missed!
— Jacques Rudolph (@Jacques_Rudolph)
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) 👏
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
Perfect wicket for to show off his skill. Well bowled Vern. 3 rd innings will be interesting now
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel)
