All-rounder Vernon Philander has suggested South Africa must not ‘peak too early’ at the World Cup in the United Kingdom later this year.

Philander is primarily a Test match cricketer, but has also played 30 ODIs, the last of which came four years ago. He was part of the Proteas’ 2015 World Cup squad in Australia and New Zealand.

‘The key is to strike form at the right time because the World Cup is all about getting momentum. The teams that find momentum at the right stage seem to take that through to the final stages of the tournament,’ he told SuperSport during Tuesday’s second T20I against Sri Lanka at Newlands in Cape Town.

‘They key will be to start off well, but also not to peak too early, but at the right time. But at that time of year, the wickets will offer a little bit. The key will be with the new ball in the UK – you will want to strike early with the new nut. It’s going to take a good, all-round performance from us.’

Meanwhile, former fast bowler Allan Donald is understandably hopeful the Proteas will win the World Cup. 

Donald played in the 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003 World Cups – and has since worked with the Proteas as a bowling coach. He is currently Kent’s assistant coach.

‘To have played and represented your country for four World Cups has been brilliant, but not having won any of them has probably been the most disappointing thing of all,’ Donald told ESPNcricinfo.

‘I hope this South African side pulls it through for the country, it needs that sort of thing, so I really hope that they can do something quite special.’

South Africa’s World Cup campaign will start against England at The Oval in London on 30 May.

Photo: Gallo