Vernon Philander To Retire From International Cricket After England Tests

Philander has played 97 matches across all formats (60 Tests, 30 ODIs and 7 T20Is), taking a total of 261 wickets (216, 41 and 4) with 1,784 runs scored (1619, 151 and 14)

South Africa speedster Vernon Philander had decided to hang his boots after the upcoming four-match Test series against England. The development was confirmed by Cricket South Africa on their official Twitter handle. “I would like to hereby announce that I will be retiring from international cricket at the conclusion of the Test series against England,” Philander said in an official statement.

"I would like to say a special thanks to my wife, family and friends for your loyalty and support on this journey which has obviously had its ups and downs. And to my number one fan since day one – Mom, thank you so much." - @VDP_24 #BigVernRetires pic.twitter.com/90prZ41z38

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 23, 2019

The first Test of the four-match series between South Africa and England begins on Boxing Day at the Centurion. In an international career that has spanned more than 12 years, Philander has played 97 matches across all formats (60 Tests, 30 ODIs and 7 T20Is), taking a combined 261 wickets (216, 41 and 4) with 1,784 runs scored (1619, 151 and 14). The 34-year-old from Cape Town took an outstanding combined of 8/78, including a famous spell of 5/15 in his Test debut against Australia that had the visitors bowled out for 47 in their second innings at Newlands as South Africa cantered to victory by eight wickets in November 2011. He also took a record-breaking 51 wickets in his first seven Test matches which earned him the 2012 SA Cricketer of the Year accolade at that year's Cricket South Africa annual awards gala along with Test Cricketer and Fans Cricketer of the Year trophies. “One of the many things that have stood out for me with Vern is his character, his determination and the way that he has always been up for a fight and a challenge has shown the heart of the man,” said newly appointed CSA Director of Cricket Graeme Smith.

"He has really done himself and his family proud and I hope he can finish his final series for South Africa with the same character and flair that has become synonymous with him." - Graeme Smith@VDP_24 #BigVernRetires pic.twitter.com/MDz625b4dn

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 23, 2019