Philander Loving It

Another emphatic effort
from Vernon Philander

South Africa beat New Zealand by 9 wickets in Hamiliton, in a match where the Kiwis batting failed twice against Vernon Philander. The tall pace man with all the swing and seaming tricks collected another ten wicket haul after wrecking the Kiwi second innings by taking 6-44. It was his fifth five wicket innings and his second ten wicket match in a career of only six Tests. If he takes five wickets next week in Wellington, he'll reach 50 Test scalps in the second fewest Tests and the second fastest time. Charlie "The Terror" Turner (6 Tests) and Rodney Hogg (113 days) will still better him.

Only Kane Williamson stood in his way in a paltry batting effort by Ross Taylor's men, fulfilling the promise he has offered but not delivered for some time. The target was achieved  by Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla at five runs an over after Doug Bracewell's first ball strike removed Alviro Petersen. Ross Taylor used seven bowlers in a desperate attempt to make something happen, punishing his bowlers for his batsmen's lack of application. It was another example of Taylor's haphazard captaincy which is overly conservative one day and recklessly erratic the next. How New Zealand miss Dan Vettori at the helm.

The third and final Test of the series starts on Friday at Wellington.