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STRIKING DEBUT: Vernon Philander

The Cobras fast bowler capped a remarkable debut year in test cricket as he also collected the fans' award.

Philander picked up 51 wickets in his first seven test matches, the second fastest in the history of test cricket.

He made his debut in the home series against Australia last year and had an immediate impact with a man-of-the-match performance, taking eight for 78. This included a second-innings haul of five for 15 which helped the Proteas to a win at Newlands.

He got another five-for in his second test which earned him the man of the series award.

His entrance continued as he collected 16 wickets in two tests against Sri Lanka and then wrecked New Zealand in three away tests.

By being named South African cricketer of the year the 26-year-old Philander joined the elite company of previous winners Jacques Kallis (twice), Makhaya Ntini (twice), Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla.

AB de Villiers was named one-day international cricketer of the year and SA players' player of the year, while Richard Levi was handed the international T20 cricketer of the year and won an award for his century against New Zealand, the fastest in T20 history.

Another special award went to Marchant de Lange who took seven for 81 on his test match debut against Sri Lanka. In local cricket the three main awards went to Dean Elgar (one-day player of the year), Farhaan Behardien (T20 player) and Alviro Petersen (first-class player).

Matthew Maynard of the Titans, who won two titles, was coach of the year. Morne van Wyk and Faf du Plessis were most valuable players.

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Sun May 19 07:22:22 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 7, 2012

Shredder

Who is this guy? Never heard of him before.
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Jun 7, 2012

ONEE

wooooow u go boy
@ Shredder he is our national fast bowler, the guy is fantastic to watch.
take time to watch Cricket when SA is playing yhooo you gonna love cricket just because of him, and also Hashim Amla they are great
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Jun 7, 2012

tabs

WELL DONE BOY.
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Jun 7, 2012

muvendave

Congra man i like how Philander bowl.
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Jun 7, 2012

MakeSAwork

Very well deserved, Philander has been a revelation with the ball in his hand...
6 x 5 wicket hauls in 7 test matches...absolutely outstanding figures.

He is going to give England a hard time ably assisted by Morne Morkle and Dale Steyn.
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Jun 7, 2012

Fisharo

@Shredder, if you follow cricket, surely you will know this guy! What a fantastic player....Philander.
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Jun 11, 2012

Bumnandibungaphansikwesdwaba

CONGRATS MFANA YOU DESERVE IT, KEEP THAT MOMENTUM GOING, WE WOULD DEMOLISH THE ARROGANT ENGLISH TEAM NEXT MONTH, AS THEY CLAIM TO HAVE THE BEST BOWLING COMBINATION IN TEST CRICKET, BUT ITS NOT TRUE SINCE WE HAVE 3 GREAT BOWLERS IN THE TOP TEN. WE JUST NEED THE BEST BOWLER IN TEST CRICKET (DALE STEYN) TO COME TO THE PARTY WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM M MORKEL, KALLIS AND TAHIR. WE WILL RECLAIM OUR TOP SPOT AGAIN. GO VERNON AKA "TSUNAMI"
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