All-rounder Vernon Philander bade an emotional farewell to international cricket on Monday.

Philander’s final Test proved unsuccessful, as the Proteas sunk to a 191-run defeat on day four of the series decider at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

READ: Proteas sink to series defeat

The 34-year-old’s 64-Test career ended with 224 wickets at an average of 22.32. He leaves the longest format as the country’s seventh-highest wicket-taker, after fellow retirees Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Allan Donald, Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis.

‘That’s not the way I wanted to end it. It’s all in the hands of the man above. The English have played excellent cricket in the month that just went by. We fight hard on the park, but we remain gentlemen, and to my guys, thanks for making it such a privilege for me to play for South Africa,’ said Philander.

The veteran Philander recently signed a Kolpak contract with Somerset in the United Kingdom. What his post-playing retirement in South Africa will yield remains in the balance.

‘Thanks to all my teammates, management and Cricket South Africa. Now the hard work starts, giving back to the sport and honing the talents of mentoring them, and we’re hoping to make a wonderful Proteas team one day,’ he added.

The Proteas and England will meet for three ODIs and as many T20Is next month.

Photo: BackPagePix