KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC– South African fast bowler Vernon Philander, whose performances have been key to Jamaica Tallawahs recent string of victories in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), says unity in the squad is excellent and augurs well for success.
Tallawahs opened the tournament with a loss to Guyana’s Amazon Warriors in Georgetown, but have rebounded in style to win their three matches since.
Their impressive run has left them third in the standings on six points, and with a great chance of booking their spot in the final four.
“The Jamaica camp has been great. We’ve got a great team and we’ve got a great bonding taking place,” said Philander, who is playing alongside fellow foreign pros Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and Pakistan batsman Ahmad Shahzad.
“We’re playing as a team, enjoying each other’s success and that’s obviously key in such a short tournament. The boys are gelling well and having fun.”
Philander has been key to the Tallawahs’ success, producing a top spell in the second game against Antigua to help set up that victory, and has chipped in with little cameo performances ever since to make his presence felt.
The 28-year-old South African said the Caribbean campaign has been a top notch one so far.
“The quality of the tournament is good, with the West Indies international players being spread over the teams that are here,” said Philander, the second fastest bowler to 50 wickets in Test cricket, achieving the mark in just seven matches.
“It’s good that the younger blokes can get some exposure and to mix with some of the international players and to get that experience in order to perform on the world stage”.
So far, Philander has taken 89 wickets from 16 matches, proving himself to be one of the most difficult seamers to handle on the international scene.
