By Ken Borland
CENTURION, South Africa Dec 17 (Reuters) – Vernon
Philander earned praise from captain Graeme Smith after his
10-wicket match haul helped South Africa thrash Sri Lanka by an
innings and 81 runs in the first test on Saturday.
Sri Lanka were overwhelmed in three days at Centurion and
rookie seam bowler Philander led the way with figures of 10-102.
The 26-year-old continued his breathtaking introduction to
test cricket by taking five for 49 in Sri Lanka’s second innings
for his fourth five-wicket haul in his first three matches.
“It’s an awesome achievement by Vernon, there was obviously
still a bit of life in the pitch, but he deserved his 10-for,”
Smith told a news conference.
“You always hope someone’s as successful when they debut as
Vernon has been, but he’s played cricket for long enough and
been through enough ups and downs to know that it won’t always
be as easy. He knows there will be a few tougher times,” Smith
said.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 180 and 150, in reply to South
Africa’s 411, with Angelo Mathews first-innings 38 the top score
for the side.
“It was over in three days, but we needed to work hard
initially,” Smith said. “In the end it was emphatic because we
bowled very well, the intensity was great today.
“Each guy really showed their skill and, in my opinion, the
bowling today was probably the best standard – skills-wise – of
the summer, even though we bowled Australia out for 47,” he
added.
Continued…
