Bowlers motivated to deliver in Steyn’s absence

Proteas bowler Vernon Philander says the rest of the attack will be ‘motivated to deliver’ in Dale Steyn’s absence after the fast bowler was ruled out of the current Test match against Australia at the WACA ground in Perth due to a right shoulder injury.
For now, the focus remains on the batsmen who are building on a second innings lead, which stands at 102 with eight wickets in hand, but when the opportunity arises Philander says every bowler will be eager to step up to the challenge.
Philander said at stumps on Friday: “Dale has been a leader of this attack for a very long time, it’s sad to see him go down like that.
“We had a job at hand, which was to get the Aussies out as cheaply as possible, I think it was a job well done by the rest of the bowlers.
“It’s always going to be the case that you have to dish up a few more overs.
“It’s a responsibility well taken by the rest of the team and the squad, we will want to win the game for Dale.
“It’s about trying to find the best combinations when we are bowling in the second innings. There is a lot of responsibility on myself and KG (Rabada) but we are looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully we can skittle them out again.”
Philander says the unit had an honest feedback session following last night’s poor execution, which showed in their determined performance to restrict Australia to their biggest batting collapse in Australia, 10 wickets for 86 runs. Philander finished with figures of 4/56, redemption after picking up the wicket of David Warner off a no-ball in Thursday’s final session.
Philander admitted: “I knew it was not one of the best things to take a wicket off a no-ball.
“If you take responsibility you can go out and correct your mistakes, that really motivated me to turn it up today. As a bowling unit we went back last night and chatted about the lengths that we bowled. We wanted to try and execute a lot better today.
“Personally, I think we were a little bit short last night,” he said. “We needed to find that length that was going to work for us on this wicket. I think the execution today was a lot better.”
Dean Elgar (46 not out) and JP Duminy (34 not out) will lead the counter-attack on day three with the score on 104/2.
Latest
-
News
Ollie Robinson grateful for ‘invaluable’ time spent with two of England’s finest
The 27-year-old spent last summer travelling, netting, chatting and watching two all-time greats in James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
-
News
Tammy Beaumont believes the new season heralds 10 years of growth for the sport
The 29-year-old had an impressive winter series in New Zealand and topped the ICC ODI batting rankings.
-
News
Sir Alastair Cook open to keeping county cricket career going past this season
The former England captain’s three-year contract with Essex expires after the 2021 campaign.
-
News
Jason Roy can renew partnership with Jonny Bairstow after signing for Sunrisers
England stars Roy and Bairstow will be reunited at the franchise.
-
News
Dan Lawrence happy with first England steps on ‘challenging’ subcontinent tour
The 23-year-old made his long-awaited Test debut in Sri Lanka in January.
-
News
Kent coach Matt Walker expects Sam Billings to be fit for Indian Premier League
Kent captain and wicketkeeper sprained his collarbone while fielding during England’s first one-day international against India earlier this month.
-
News
England paceman Jofra Archer facing two weeks’ rehab after surgery on right hand
The 25-year-old suffered the injury in January when the fish tank he was cleaning at home smashed.
-
News
Cricket South Africa given more time to get their house in order
Cricket South Africa continues to risk the future of the game in the country with selfish infighting.
-
News
Ashley Giles fears banning players from the IPL could harm England’s future
Eleven England players have signed up for the competition, which begins on April 9.
-
News
Temba Bavuma: Proteas’ 2023 World Cup preparations start now
South Africa limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma has stated the Proteas’ 2023 World Cup preparations will start against Pakistan on Friday.