On this day, Vernon Philander took 5-15 on debut to help SA skittle Australia for 47 in their second innings at Newlands in 2011.
Philander’s five-for was the deciding factor which saw the Proteas claim an eight-wicket victory in the first Test, as he recorded his best-ever figures against the Baggy Greens. His scalps included the legendary Ricky Ponting and the captain at the time, Michael Clarke, who scored 150 not out in the first innings.
The Proteas were down and out after being bowled for 96 in response to Australia’s first-innings 284, but the Philander-inspired rout saw Australia collapse to their fourth-lowest total of all time.
This was a historic day for Philander, who took a total of eight wickets in the match and announced himself to the South African supporters with a Man of the Match performance.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
