Vernon Philander will always be remembered by me as “The Pro” that conquered the World, writes Nasri Alexander.
It came as quite a surprise to many when, back in 2011, Proteas captain Graeme Smith said that Vernon Philander would be making his debut in a Test match against Australia at Newlands.
A surprise to many but not all, as Philander had been toiling away in domestic first-class cricket – first for Western Province and then the Cape Cobras since he made his bow in the four-day format back in 2004.
Philander often carried the Cobras bowling attack for many seasons, bowling maiden after maiden and taking wicket after wicket in front of virtually no spectators.
His domestic record at the time was unmatched but he continued to be ignored at the highest level with questions being asked about his pace. The standard of the domestic game was also sited as a reason for him not being recognized for higher honours.
Philander though did not seem to be bothered and just kept ploughing away with the goal to master his craft, not only for the Cobras, but he also at The multi-sports complex called Florida Park in Ravensmead, where he spent many hours.
“The Vern” grew up in the humble surroundings of Ravensmead and it was at Florida Park, with Tygerberg Cricket Club, that his skills were honed and perfected and where he still carries the nickname of “The Pro”.
It was on a summer’s afternoon early in 2010 when my local club side played a game against Tygerberg CC at Florida Park on the ‘B’ field, when Philander – nursing his way back from an injury – came wandering onto the field next to ours with a box of cricket balls and a few cones.
He marked his run-up, placed the cones on an imaginary length and bowled to one of the local coaches who was catching the balls with a baseball mitt, belting words of encouragement.
I was fielding on the square-leg boundary at the time and Philander’s “training session” was taking place virtually next to the rope and I couldn’t help but admire this professional cricketer’s dedication, as he honed his skills in extreme heat.
It would be the next year, November 2011, when I was lucky enough to be at Newlands as a fan when Philander made his debut against the Aussies in an extra-ordinary game that saw him take 5/15 in the second innings. I immediately had a flashback to that hot afternoon against Tygerberg CC.
The young man from Ravensmead was certainly in a hurry to show he belonged at the highest level as he made the red ball talk on his way to 30 wickets in his first four Test matches. Despite this incredible return, questions were still being asked.
How will he perform away from home? Will he cope on flat wickets?
The “Big Vern” just swatted those doubts away as he snaffled 21 scalps in a three-match series in New Zealand, before getting his name on the Lord’s honours board as the Proteas conquered England, followed by Australia.
When speaking to cricket-minded people – at home and from around the world – about Philander, one word keeps popping up – SKILL.
Skill to land the ball in the same area time after time and also skill to think about what you want the ball to do and then execute it to perfection.
That skill set was in full display when he trapped India captain Virat Kohli LBW in the second innings of the New Year’s Test at Newlands in 2018.
Three outswingers was followed by a ball that nipped back, which saw one of the best batsmen in the world fell into Philander’s web.
Australia great Shane Warne calls him the “surgeon” as his precision and accuracy is immaculate, reminding the Aussie spin king of his former international teammate Glenn McGrath.
When the stadium announcer at Newlands informs the crowd: “And now from the Wynberg End, it’s Vernon Philander!” and the song Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell belts out, a hush comes over the iconic venue.
Everyone sits in anticipation to witness what might unfold. We know what is coming but as purists of the game we still lick our lips.
When Philander announced on Monday 23 December that he would be hanging up his boots at the highest level at the age of 34, he did so with the knowledge that he achieved all he could in the Proteas Test jersey.
I have heard many nicknames given to Philander by fans and on social media over the years – “The surgeon”, “Ravensmead Wrecker” and “Ravensmead Express”.
But the one I will always remember him as is “The Pro” from Tygerberg Cricket Club.
It is fair to say that the fella from Ravensmead has mastered his art and conquered the world.
