Vernon Philander Set to Play in first Test Against NZ

Southern Africa beginning bowler Vernon Philander is "provisionally fit" for the first Analyze against New Zealand beginning at Newlands on Wed. 

"He's come through his health and health and fitness test well," said leader Graeme Cruz on Wednesday. "Unless he stiffens up later these days or this evening he's fit to perform." 

Philander has not bowled in a go with since splitting down with a hamstring muscle stress in a series go with 12 times ago. 

Smith said Southern African-american were desperate to get into activity in their first house go with since getting the variety one globe position during an unbeaten run of nine Analyze suits on international ground. 

"The group has taken big actions ahead this season," said Cruz. "We've journeyed a lot in the last season. It was aggressive, it was challenging. Hopefully now we can perform the same design of cricket in Southern African-american with house assistance." 

Smith said he was satisfied with Southern Africa's planning. 

"The way the people have qualified this weeks time has been extreme. We've had five times together and the perform amount has been excellent. It's excellent to sit in group events and pay attention to how the people want to take the group ahead and not relax on our laurels." 

Asked about the debate which led to former leader Ross Taylor receiving from the New Zealand team, Cruz said: "It's obviously not perfect. Ross is a key gamer for them and a big man around the team." 

He said being on a trip provided the New Zealanders a chance to merge together as a group. "They have an probability to battle and they have nothing to reduce in this Analyze sequence." 

Smith said the Southern Africans had regard for New Zealand, who they beaten 1-0 in a three-match away sequence during their effective run this season. 

"They've come here understanding (captain) Brendon (McCullum) is a really gutsy gamer and they will want to contend and get the most out of this Analyze sequence. If they do well it will be a big check in his box." 

The Southern Africans had an extreme movie period on Thursday, learning the New Zealand gamers. 

"There's a lot of regard," said Cruz. "We've lately performed New Zealand in New Zealand and we comprehend it is not as simple as everyone desires. You've got to go out there and perform the experience." 

Smith mentioned for initially on the omission of Thami Tsolekile, the only dark Africa in their Analyze team in Sydney, who had been predicted to take over the wicketkeeping part from AB de Villiers during the New Zealand sequence, only for De Villiers to keep the safety gloves after informing group control he was satisfied to merge the part with that of being a key batsman. 

"It's essential that Thami gets one obvious concept," said Cruz. "I know that (coach) H (Kirsten) has been touching him. From what I comprehend it is a genuine cricketing choice about the stability of the group. Obviously it's challenging on Thami.