South Africa seamer Vernon Philander will call time on his professional cricket career following the completion of the upcoming Test series against England.
The 34-year-old made his international debut all the way back in 2007 in an ODI, but his greatest success has come in the Test format. Currently, Philander has a total of 216 wickets for South Africa in 60 Test appearances, at an average of 22.16 and a strike-rate just below 50.
The Bellville-born seam bowler is in seventh spot among his country’s all-time Test wicket-takers and was awarded the South Africa Cricketer of the Year in 2012. He also is the joint second-fastest bowler in history to claim 50 Test wickets.
However, knee injuries have plagued the Proteas bowler in recent years who has made only six Test appearances over the course of the last 18 months.
“I would like to hereby announce that I will be retiring from international cricket at the conclusion of the Test series against England,” Philander said in a statement.
Proteas all-rounder Vernon Philander (@VDP_24 ), has called time on an exemplary international career with the announcement of his retirement from all forms of international cricket at the end of the Test series against England in January 2020.#BigVernRetires#Thread pic.twitter.com/GqRDtXHqsx
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 23, 2019
“It has been an honour and privilege to have played alongside the very best in the game as well as being part of the best Test team for a number of years. I feel that it is the appropriate time to conclude what has been an amazing journey.
“My entire focus and energy at this time is to help the Proteas beat England which I am really looking forward to. Looking forward to seeing you all there.”
“Vernon has been an outstanding performer in the time that he has represented his country, especially in the Test format,” South Africa’s director of cricket Graeme Smith said on his part.
“He has made a huge impact for the Proteas and has been at the frontline with the ball for most of his time in the set-up.
“He has given his best in every appearance and I think that how he has turned himself into an all-rounder has been particularly pleasing to watch.”
South Africa are due to take on England in a four-Test series which begins on Boxing Day in Centurion. The fourth and final Test between the two sides will get under way in Johannesburg on January 24.
