The Australian batsmen had no answer to Philander last year

South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald has backed Vernon Philander to continue on from where he left off when facing Australia in his debut Test series in November last year.

Philander took eight wickets in his first ever Test match, including 5-15 in the second innings to dismiss the Australians for a dismal 47.

Donald noted that the pitches in Australia would suit Philander’s bowling style and added that he makes up just one third of South Africa’s dynamic pace trio, which also includes Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Donald as saying: “It is just the telling lengths he bowls consistently, he never goes away, he locks you away as a batsman, if there’s anything in the wicket that offers him a bit, then he becomes even more of a handful. Since 2007 when he was left out of the South African side he’s gone away and learned his game, he’s become a tremendous bowler, when Gary [Kirsten] took over the [coaching] job he said, ‘I want this guy in my side’, he backed him all the way. He’s a humble businessman, he goes about his business, very streetwise, very clever, very smart.”