Philander fit, ready to aid SA revival

AFP, MANCHESTER: Vernon Philander is confident both he and South Africa will be firing on all cylinders as they look to draw their Test series with England at Old Trafford.

Philander was unable to be at his best during England's 239-run win in the third Test at The Oval after being struck down by a mystery stomach virus which meant he could only bowl 32 overs in the match.

What made it worse for the Proteas was that the overcast conditions appeared ideal for accurate seamer Philander, renowned for his ability to make the most of any assistance from either cloudy skies or a pitch with some 'juice' in it.

The man-of-the-match in the Proteas' second Test success at Trent Bridge, Philander even spent one night of The Oval match on a hospital drip.

The best South Africa can hope for now, at 2-1 down in this four-match series, is a share of the spoils. And Philander is eager to play his full part when the Manchester fixture starts on Friday.

“It was either something I picked up or something I ate that really 'drilled' me for a couple of days,” Philander told reporters at Old Trafford on Wednesday as he recalled his illness.

Philander fit, ready to aid SA revival

AFP, MANCHESTER: Vernon Philander is confident both he and South Africa will be firing on all cylinders as they look to draw their Test series with England at Old Trafford. Philander was unable to be at his best during Englands 239-run win in the third Test at The Oval after being struck down by a mystery stomach virus which meant he could only bowl 32 overs in the match. What made it worse for the Proteas was that the overcast conditions appeared ideal for accurate seamer Philander, renowned for his ability to make the most of any assistance from either cloudy skies or a pitch with some juice in it. The man-of-the-match in the Proteas second Test success at Trent Bridge, Philander even spent one night of The Oval match on a hospital drip. The best South Africa can hope for now, at 2-1 down in this four-match series, is a share of the spoils. And Philander is eager to play his full part when the Manchester fixture starts on Friday. It was either something I picked up or something I ate that really drilled me for a couple of days, Philander told reporters at Old Trafford on Wednesday as he recalled his illness.