The retiring South Africa pace spearhead could soon be taking part in the English county cricket after reportedly becoming the prime targets of various county clubs where Somerset leading the race to secure his services. Vernon Philander recently announced he is to retire from international cricket after the England Test series. As per the Daily Mail, Somerset are in the hunt for a pace bowler and Philander fits the place. He will join the likes of former South Africa teammate Hashim Amla to switch to county cricket on Kolpak deal.

“I want to give thanks to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with the opportunity to represent my country for the last 12 years,” Vernon Philander said on Monday. “It has been a honour and privilege to have played alongside the very best in the game. Thank you must also go to Cricket South Africa, the Cobras, all the coaches, management, captains and team-mates and the very special fans from all over the world for your love and support. My entire focus and energy at this time is to help the Proteas beat England which I am really looking forward to.”

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Philander made his international debut in 2007 and has taken 216 wickets in 60 Tests and 28 wickets in 30 ODIs since then. He has also played 7 T20Is from which he has taken four wickets.

“One of the many things that have stood out for me with Vern is his character, his determination and the way that he has always been up for a fight and a challenge has shown the heart of the man. He has really done himself and his family proud and I hope he can finish his final series for South Africa with the same character and flair that has become synonymous with him,” Graeme Smith, Cricket South Africa’s director of cricke said.