Ace South African pacer Vernon Philander is eager to complete a whitewash in the ongoing Test series against India, where hosts are already 2-0 up in the series while the last Test is about to start. Philander has been instrumental in this series outcome with a career-best figure in Cape Town Test.
“It is just another game of cricket for us, but we do want to win each and every single game we play. So, it doesn’t matter that the Test series has already been won, we want to win all three matches, The emphasis is on preparation, and doing it well today and tomorrow,” Philander quoted on the eve of Johannesburg Test.
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“We want to win this Test as well. There are no dead rubber games for us. We want to prepare as well as we can and be ready for Wednesday. We want to regain the no.1 Test ranking and so we want to win each and every single Test. There are no dead rubbers when we play.”
The 22-yard strip of Johannesburg is going to be a green-top, where swing and bounce will be the key aspect, unlike Centurion.
“I haven’t looked at the pitch yet, but normally there is pace and bounce at the Wanderers. Our roles always differ on different types of surfaces. I play with understanding of my role in the side. Last game I had to keep it tight from one end. So I haven’t looked at this one yet, but my role will change if conditions present themselves, it helps you understand the role you play,” he added.
“You want to keep it as tight as possible and want to bowl them out as cheaply as possible. That’s the aim of every cricket game and the role of every bowler in a four-pronged attack is different. You deliver what’s required of you.”
The right-arm pacer gave his weight behind Keshav Maharaj, who was the lone spinner between a fiery pace attack of Proteas. “Keshav Maharaj has done a massive job for us. Not only in this series but previously as well. He keeps it tight but make no mistake he is a strike bowler for us. He picks up vital wickets at key times,” he said.
“When you come to the Wanderers, seamers are mainly the attackers here. Obviously, I cannot answer whether we are playing without a spinner here. But it will be a good wicket and a good Test coming up.”
He was in full praises for one-match old Lungi Ngidi, who was phenomenal in the Centurion Test during his man of the match performance.
Also Read: Philander explains R Ashwin's dismissal“He is a phenomenal talent. He has pace and bounce, the way he went about his business, and the manner in which he stayed calm, it was all good to see. He asked a lot of question off Morne Morkel and me at mid-on/mid-off. It was wonderful to see that we have so many bowlers pumping in the pipeline as well. He is a wonderful talent and long may this trend continue,” said Philander.
The third Test will undergo in Wanderers Stadium from Wednesday. With pride on the stake, Team India would love to end this Test series on a high note.
