Vernon Philander thinks pace isn't everything - Opinion
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753, a powerful all-rounder from Bellville in South Africa, has in a short space of time, become one of South Africa’s front line bowlers. His early career was plagued with inconsistency and a lack of a definitive role in the team. This meant
that he was on the sidelines for the most part. Yet his relentlessness finally paid off with breakthroughs in subsequent spells for the Proteas in the longer version of the game. This made him one of the most impressive bowlers in the game today.
Philander relies on a ‘Hadlee like’ line outside the off stump, where his ability to move the ball both ways has troubled batting line ups around the world. He is not express pace, but relies entirely on accuracy. Australia’s bizarre capitulation on 47 on
a green top at Cape Town could in part be explained by Philander’s five-wicket haul in just 15 overs. The display of bowling was breathtaking to say the least, and determined the outcome of one of the most bizarre results in Test match history. The Australian
batsmen found it hard to deal with good length deliveries which swung both ways and were reduced to 21 for 9 at one stage. For Philander, that was the beginning of a stint in Test cricket which has continued to reward him.
The second Test of that series was played at the Wanderers Stadium, and barring Australia’s ability to win the game courtesy Patrick Cummins' sensational debut, Philander snared five more wickets on a track that was more favorable for batting than Cape Town.
Yet this was just the beginning. Against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 at home, Philander continued to deliver with the same policy of bowling on that corridor of uncertainty and deploying the ball with full effect. The end result was 5 for 53 in the first Test and 3 for 46 in
the all important Third Test, which helped http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 seal the series.
Even in the Oval Test of 2012, Philander showed the world that bowling with accuracy is far more important if one lacks the pace, height and stamina for quick bowling. His new ball partner however, has revolutionized the concept of fast bowling with pinpoint
accuracy. Yet in modern times only a handful of players could equal the prowess of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409. For Philander however, he is quite content with bowling in that same channel and with conditions favoring him on many occasions, he could prove to be more than handy.
Despite the fact that Philander has not been tested in subcontinent like conditions, his bowling is a grand example of how pace is considered to be secondary in regards to taking wickets. Being quick may be awkward to face initially and an advantage that
many bowlers tend to have, yet the truth lies in the fact that pure pace alone can be counterproductive on occasions. The few times that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 was put to the cleaners, his inability to control his line and length proved to be costly. Thus,
combining pace with accuracy is a difficult proposition, and with the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Brett-Lee-c48419 and Shane Bond retired, not too many bowlers in contemporary times have mastered the art. It all boils down to accuracy and bowling in that corridor of uncertainty on
a consistent basis to make one a good bowler.
It does seem plausible to assume that the manner in which Philander bowls would delight the classical school of thought.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: