Philander shares Lord's wisdom as SA prepare for WTC final

AS South Africa prepare for their biggest red-ball challenge in over a decade, one of the country’s most accomplished seamers is playing a key role off the field.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Vernon Philander, the former Test bowling spearhead, has been passing on his deep knowledge of Lord's to the Proteas’ current crop of fast bowlers — the same venue where he once etched his name into history.

The Proteas are gearing up for a daunting World Test Championship Final against Australia at the London ground, which still holds a special place in the heart of the former all-rounder.

Philander took a memorable five-for in the second innings of the Proteas’ Test victory against England at Lord’s in the summer of 2012, securing his place on the Lord’s honours board. The Cape Town-born Philander, who took 224 Test wickets in a storied career, has also built up a solid knowledge base on the hallowed arena from his time in county cricket.

He was especially devastating with new ball in hand, alongside speedster Dale Steyn, and expects the new ball to once again be crucial for the current Proteas bowlers.

"Between myself and Dale, we wanted to start well," the current cricket commentator said at the Proteas’ send-off in Johannesburg last week. "That new ball is going to be key.