South Africa vs England 2017 2nd Test, Day 3: 5 talking points

#2 Philander turning into the all-rounder South Africa want him to be

Vernon Philander made substantial contributions with the bat in both innings

Following his half-century in the first innings, Vernon Philander once again put his hand up with the bat at no.7, compiling another wonderful knock which might effectively close doors on JP Duminy's Test career. The all-round factor was the reason behind Duminy’s inclusion in Tests but with Morris and Philander doing that job now, there is no reason for the Proteas to go back to the left-hander.

With South Africa sitting firm on Day 3, Philander had all the freedom in the world to play his strokes. He matched Du Plessis shot for shot and after his dismissal went berserk, smashing Moeen Ali for back to back sizes before gifting him a return catch to fall for 42.