Graeme Smith showing faith in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753 – Cricket News Update
South Africa’s Test captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473, has backed Vernon Philander to perform well in the remaining two Tests of the series against Australia and believes that the medium-fast bowler has the character to turn the tables.
Philander, after impressing the selectors in domestic cricket, made his way to the Test team in 2011, picking up eight wickets on his debut against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757’s Sportsman of the Year.
The seamer played a vital role in the country’s success in the longer format of the game, beating teams like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 and England.
The cricketer from Bellville was tipped to be the Proteas’ trump-card for the all-important series against the Baggy Greens. However, Philander failed to make an impression in the first Test at Brisbane, bowling 30 overs after conceding 103 runs without getting a wicket.
The right-armer has been criticised by many as a bowler who can just deliver the goods in bowling-friendly conditions. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598 however, does not agree and said that every cricketer goes through lean patches and revealed that the seamer looks to be in good shape in practice and hopes that Philander will do well in the Adelaide Test, which starts tomorrow.
The captain expressed, “We didn't have any green tracks in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 and he did pretty well. I have liked the way he has looked this week, he has had some really good zip in the nets, the ball has been swinging and moving, and I expect good things from him.”
The left-hander further added that Philander is mentally very strong and has the capacity to turn things around in the second Test. Smith feels that the talented cricketer was unlucky not to have picked up any wickets in the first Test.
“He has had such an incredible run to his test career, there is bound to be tough games along the way,” he said. “And I think he has certainly got the character to bounce back from that. I don't think he bowled really badly in Brisbane.”
Tags: