SA vs IND 2018: We Want To Win All Three Matches: Vernon Philander

The forthcoming third Test in Johannesburg will provide South Africa with an opportunity to avenge the 3-0 loss they suffered in India a couple of years ago. On spinning tracks, the Proteas were thoroughly outplayed in the four-Test series.

However, the tables have turned in familiar conditions for the Proteas as they have won both the first two Tests and are now gunning to win the final Test and inflict a whitewash on the world number one Test side. Faf du Plessis & Co. won both the games convincingly to win the series with a game to spare. However, the hosts are in no mood to lower their guards in the inconsequential tie as just before the last game, South Africa pace spearhead Vernon Philander has shot off a warning to India, saying the hosts are eyeing a whitewash. The right-arm pacer said the Proteas would settle for nothing less than a 3-0 result.

“It is just another game of cricket for us, but we do want to win each and every single game we play. So it doesn’t matter that the Test series has already been won, we want to win all three matches,” said Philander.

“The emphasis is on preparation, and doing it well today and tomorrow. We want to win this Test as well.

“There are no dead rubber games for us. We want to prepare as well as we can and be ready for Wednesday. We want to regain the no.1 Test ranking and so we want to win each and every single Test. There are no dead rubbers when we play,” he added.

Pitch talk:

Reports are suggesting that the pitch for the third Test will be pacy and bouncy, much to the liking of the hosts.

When asked about that, Philander said: “I haven’t looked at the pitch yet, but normally there is pace and bounce at the Wanderers. Our roles always differ on different types of surfaces. I play with understanding of my role in the side. Last game I had to keep it tight from one end. So I haven’t looked at this one yet, but my role will change if conditions present themselves.”

“It helps you understand the role you play. You want to keep it as tight as possible and want to bowl them out as cheaply as possible. That’s the aim of every cricket game and the role of every bowler in a four-pronged attack is different. You deliver what’s required of you,” he added.

Extra batsman in the playing eleven:

Reports are also suggesting that South Africa might with an extra batsman in the last Test but Philander said there were slim chances of an all-seam attack, leaving spinner Keshav Maharaj out.

“Playing an extra batsman won’t change things where I bat at no.7 or 8. I still have to contribute with bat and ball, and it won’t make any massive difference to me as a player. I see myself as an all-rounder, and the rest is down to selectors and team management,” he said.

South Africa have won both the games but their batting has looked far from convincing. In both the matches, they were under pressure after batting failures but their bowlers made amends for the poor show.

“You always have to put pressure on yourself and have a sense of pride in what you do. It is a big responsibility to bat at no.7 and you have to take on the challenge. It worked well in England but at home conditions are different. I enjoy this challenge,” he added.

Heaps lavish praise on Lungi Ngidi:

Philander further heaped praise on Lungi Ngidi who rocked India in the second innings of Centurion Test, The debutant picked up six wickets in the second innings as India were bowled out for just 151 while chasing 287.

“He is a phenomenal talent. He has pace and bounce, the way he went about his business, and the manner in which he stayed calm, it was all good to see,” Philander said.

“He asked a lot of question off Morne Morkel and me at mid-on/mid-off. It was wonderful to see that we have so many bowlers pumping in the pipeline as well. He is a wonderful talent and long may this trend continue,” he added.