Vernon Philander showed the cricket world what they’ve been missing by scoring a fighting century on his return from an ankle injury.
With his fitness being managed ahead of the World Cup next May, the 33-year-old was not added to the limited-overs Proteas squad touring Australia at the moment.
But the Ravensmead star showed his value on Tuesday with a 226-ball 104 to help lift the Cape Cobras from 65/5 to 317/8 at the end of Day Two of their 4-Day Series match against the Dolphins in tough conditions at Newlands.
And Big Vern was chuffed with his third First-Class ton.
The allrounder says: “It was nice to come back and make a difference, whether it was big or small.
“There was also the scoreboard pressure, and it is always difficult to bat when there are clouds hanging over at Newlands.
“It was really tough. I’m just grateful to get a 100 in these circumstances.”
The pair put on a tournament-record 228 for the sixth wicket - smashing the previous mark of 176 by Ryan Canning and Owais Shah set in 2010/11.