Sportskeeda Cricket Awards 2016: Countdown to the Cricketer of the Year

Modified Dec 29, 2016 21:39 IST

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka bats during the Natwest International T20 match between England and Sri Lanka at Ageas Bowl on July 5, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) — Chandimal is now a key member of the Sri Lankan bating unit

#24 Vernon Philander

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 26: Vernon Philander of South Africa celebrates dismissing Usman Khawaja of Australia during day three of the Third Test match between Australia and South Africa at Adelaide Oval on November 26, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) — Philander celebrates one of his dismissals

Now when you have Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada in a side, it becomes difficult to cement a place in it. Therefore Philander did not play in any ODIs or T20s in 2016. He just played in 6 Test matches. But in these games Philander was outstanding.

The right arm pacer grabbed 21 wickets in these outings with two five-wicket hauls to his credit. He had a bowling average of 20.38 alongside his 179 runs with the bat.

Philander was particularly impressive in his last three games against Australia where he picked up 12 wickets helping his side win the series 2-1.