South Africa vs New Zealand 2017 Test series: 5 players to watch out for

Modified Mar 07, 2017 13:11 IST

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 23: Neil Wagner of New Zealand run in to bowl during day four of the Second Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval on January 23, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images) — Neil Wagner is a South African by birth and is a key figure in the Kiwis squad

#2 Vernon Philander

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 03: Vernon Philander of South Africa bowls during day 2 of the 2nd test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at PPC Newlands on January 03, 2107 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Philander has an eye-catching record in New Zealand

The seam bowler will return to a country he has had great success in. Of the three Tests he has played in the country, Philander has two five-wicket hauls and a ten-wicket haul. He has a total of 21 wickets in the three Tests with a best of 6/44.

His overall record against the Black Caps is also excellent with 32 wickets in 6 Tests matches at an average of 15.53. If he was excellent against the Sri Lankans at home recently, he was phenomenal as the leader of the pack in Australia, where he won the Man of the Series award.

New Zealand have to be vary of Philander, who can run through batting line-ups on pitches that favour swing and seam. He is equally good against both right and left-handers and will pose quite a few questions on this tour.

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Edited by Staff Editor