Dubai: South Africa pacer Vernon Philander believes that the upcoming three-match Test series against India is going to be tough and has also emphasised the need for spending time in the middle.
His remarks came after the conclusion of the three-day practice match between South Africa and the Board President’s XI. “Mainly it is just about getting a feel for the wickets. It is going to be a tough series, obviously, so the more time you spend out there in the middle, the better,” International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Philander as saying. In the practice match, South Africa scored 279/6 in their first innings and was able to dismiss eight players of the opposition side for 265 before play on day three ended. Philander played a knock of 48 runs and returned with bowling figures of 2/27. South Africa will be playing their first Test series after the retirements of Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn. Philander feels that it will give the other senior players in the side to step up and showcase match-winning performances.
“Spotlight will be on a lot of big players to make a statement. Our job is to come here and give the first punch as India is obviously expected to do well. We are known as a team who starts slow so this time around we have to start well. There is a lot of pressure on players.” Philander said. (ANI)
