Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Philander absence may test depth, balance but not result

The 29-year-old Philander limped out of South Africa's 130-run humbling by India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday and was ruled out by the team's medical staff on Monday for at least 10 days.

Philander's injury disrupted South Africa's attack against India, with the defending champions scoring over 300 and smashing Wayne Parnell for more than 80 runs from his nine overs of seam bowling.

AB de Villiers side will now need to decide how best to make up their attack with backup paceman Kyle Abbott having played only 11 ODI matches and none at the World Cup.

If Abbott is picked then all-rounder Farhaan Behardien could possibly replace Parnell and share the 10 overs needed to be bowled with JP Duminy.

It is the second time in the last six months Philander has missed one-day internationals due to a hamstring injury.

Philander's partnership with Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel has earned the trio the label as the most-balanced and penetrating attack in world cricket.

The express pace of Steyn is complimented by the steepling bounce off a length from Morkel, while Philander is 'Mr Consistent', delivering an outswinging line and length that restricts batsmen scoring and puts them under pressure.

Results in the longer form of the game speak for themselves.

 

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