Amla and Philander up for national awards

South Africa cricketers Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander have been nominated for the South African Sports Awards (SASA) on the back of their outstanding performances over the last 12 months.

The duo are on the short list of five for the Sportsman of the Year and the short list of seven for the Sports Star of the Year, with the winners to be announced in November.

Amla scored four Test centuries over the last 12-month period - including 311 not out against England at the Oval in July - along with two centuries and two scores in the nineties in ODI cricket.

Fast bowler Philander only made his Test debut in November 2011 but reached 50 wickets in the second fastest time ever - in just seven matches. Philander and Amla were key members of the side that won 2-0 in England.

South Africa coach Gary Kirsten is on the short list for Coach of the Year while the national side are up for Team of the Year on the back of their successful run that saw them reach No. 1 spot in the Reliance ICC Test Rankings after the recent series victory in England.

Cricket South Africa Acting CEO Jacques Faul said: "These nominations are very well deserved and confirmation of the high regard in which our national representatives are held. The nomination of Hashim and Vernon for the Sports Star of the Year award is particularly pleasing as the voting was done by the general public and these are the essential stakeholders of South African cricket."