Vernon Philander led a relentless South African bowling performance against England on Day𝓀 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. They𒊎 now lead by 175 runs on a pitch, which has proved difficult for batsmen throughout.
Philan💧der, ❀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 D𒁏enly hit a half-century after a shaky start. He added partnerships of 55 for the third wicket with ca⛎ptain 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 Dwᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚaine Pretorius his maiden Test wicket.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Vernon Philander : 14.2-8-16-4
Exceptional control, skill and patiꦆence 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!ꦕ The boy who learned 2 play cricket at the anti-apartheid Tygerberg cricket club on the Cape F꧟lats 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 co🐻mbination of bowler and place is one of the 𝓰uniquely wonderful things about Test cricket.
— cricketingview (@cricketingview)
Philander in the wiওcket൩s as he nears the end. Will be missed.
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg)
Sat in a team meetin🐈g with the Vern day , and if you know the game you know the amount of dismissals there are in the game. But Vern said ther♔e 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%— Sam 🏏⚽️🏈 (@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)
Perf𒊎ect wicket for to show off his skill. Well bowled Vern. 3 rd innings will be interesting now
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel)
