Cricketers of the week: 10th July – 16th July

#3 Vernon Philander

Philander delivered with both ball and bat

After a disappointing first Test, South Africa seemed all set to put up a fight under their regular skipper, Faf du Plessis, who was back in action for the second. However, they lost their way with quick wickets, going from 179 for 2 batting first at Trent Bridge to 235 for 6 before Vernon Philander added 74 for the seventh wicket along with Chris Morris, who scored a gritty 36.

Philander scored 54 in 81 balls in an innings garlanded by nine fours – ensuring South Africa have a decent tally on the board. Surviving James Anderson’s onslaught wasn’t easy especially with the new ball but Philander stuck to his job. His importance was obvious when South Africa lost their last four wickets for just 26 runs once he lost his wicket.

The 32-year-old sparkled with the ball as well, picking up the big wicket of Alastair Cook in the fourth over and then breaking an 83-run partnership for the third wicket by picking up Gary Ballance. England were eventually all out for just 205, thanks to three-wicket hauls for Keshav Maharaj (3/21) and Chris Morris (3/38).