Need to ensure Philander's not overworked: Kirsten

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Vernon Philander, who is the second quickest ever to reach the 50-wicket landmark in Tests, is due to turn out for Somerset in eight matches starting on April 5, and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten wants to ensure that his fast bowler doesn't burn out.

Philander has already had a busy season both for his domestic franchise, the Cobras, as well as for South Africa. And, though he had signed the contract with Somerset before he became a nationally contracted player, Kirsten encouraged Philander to fulfill his contract with the county. "Philander asked me my opinion and I said I didn't think it will be a bad idea to get used to the bowling conditions there. I don't think anyone would have thought that he would play seven Tests and get 50 wickets and really play a major part and bowl a lot of overs for us," Kirsten was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

Philander, who has so far taken 51 wickets at an average of 14.15, made his Test debut against Australia in November, but was awarded a CSA contract only in January. His contract with Somerset was subject to him getting an IPL deal, but when Philander went unsold in the players' auction, the pacer's agreement with Somerset kicked in. Kirsten said Philander needs to honour his contract with Somerset, but also hoped the county wouldn't overwork him.

"What's important for me is that he has a window period, a conditioning period. We would like to create that. We will chat to Somerset and see where they are on it and hopefully we can get a significant conditioning period. As it stands at the moment he is due to comeback at the end of May," Kirsten said, adding Somerset have promised not to overuse Philander.

Kirsten said even if Philander has a busy workload for Somerset, he will still have a month to get ample rest ahead of the Test series against England.

Talking about Philander's phenomenal success so early in his international career, Kirsten said his accuracy, movement and consistency have all helped the pacer. "He has got the mental capability to make big plays when we need him to make big plays and that is very exciting. It's very exciting that we have those types of individuals."