South African fast bowler Vernon Philander will retire from all formats of cricket after the upcoming Test series against England. He announced this while issuing a statement on Monday. In his statement, he said, “I want to announce that, I will retire from international cricket after the end of the Test series against England. I think this is the right time to take retirement from this wonderful journey.”
The first match of this series of four Test matches will be played at Centurion, from 26 December.
Vernon Philander also said that, “At the moment my whole focus and energy is on helping my team to defeat England and i am also very excited for this.”
Philander played a total of 97 matches in all three formats for South Africa in his 12-year-long international career, in which he took a total of 261 wickets, as well as 1784 runs. In 2007, 34-year-old Philander made his international debut. In his career spanning over 12 years, he has played 60 Tests so far, taking 216 wickets.
He is the seventh most successful test bowler in his country. However, due to injury suffered during the last 18 months, he could play only six matches for his team. In ODIs, he has taken 41 wickets in 30 matches and 4 wickets in 7 matches in T20 career.
Philander played the debut test against in Australia Cape Town, in November 2011. He took 8/78 wickets in this match. After which he was voted ‘Player of the Match’. In the second innings of the match, he took 5/15 wickets in seven overs, after which the visiting team was reduced to just 47 runs. The match was won by the hosts by 8 wickets. In addition, Philander set a new record with 51 wickets in the first seven Tests. After which he was selected for South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year Award, for the year 2012.
Philander said on this occasion, “I want to thank my late father, whose blessings gave me the opportunity to play for my country for 12 years. It is an honor and privilege to be with the best people in the game. Even he also thanked his support staff and said, “Thank you also to the South African Cricket Board, all coaches, management members, captains, all teammates and most importantly the fans from all over the world for their love and support.”
The South African team will host four Tests against England. After this, a series of three ODIs and as many T20 matches will be played.
Image Credit: ICC
