Vernon Philander Confirms Kolpak Deal With Somerset

South Africa star Vernon Philander has joined the host of his compatriots playing in England through Kolpak deal as he confirmed on Friday he has agreed to play English county cricket for Somerset next year. In the last few years, the likes of Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Duanne Olivier Marchant de Lange, Rilee Rossouw have signed the Kolpak deals.

Earlier this year, Proteas legend Hashim Amla had signed a Kolpak deal too after bringing down curtains on his illustrious international career right after the World Cup. Vernon Philander, meanwhile, confirmed his decision while talking to the reporters after end of second day’s play of the ongoing first Test against England at Centurion.

The 34-year-old, who will retire from international cricket at the end of the ongoing series, took 4-16 in 14.2 overs as South Africa appeared to have taken control by bowling England out for 181. At the end of the day, South Africa were 72 for 4 with their overall lead extended to 175 runs.

“Everyone knows that,” said Vernon Philander before starting it was incorrect that he had signed a three-year contract.

“We’re going to go on a year-by-year basis and see how we go,” he added.

Vernon Philander’s international career:

Vernon Philander is one of the most prolific Test bowlers of this decade. However, he always remained in the shadow of the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada. So far, he has taken 220 wickets and can add more to the tally as he is currently playing his 61st Test. He is seventh on the all-time list for South Africa.

In the last couple of years, the right-arm pacer has struggled with injuries and managed to play just six Tests in the previous 18 months. Vernon Philander has also played in 30 ODIs with his last appearance coming at the 2015 World Cup. In T20(s, he made seven appearances.

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