For a Proteas legend who wore the famous green and gold more than 100 times across all formats, it felt a bit weird for Vernon Philander seeing himself in the colours of Pakistan.
The “Big Vern”, who was Pakistan’s bowling consultant at the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates late last year, said working with the tournament semi-finalists was a blessing and an opportunity to serve and take the game forward.
“It did feel a bit weird initially wearing the Pakistani kit,” he said, adding he is available to help SA cricket if called upon. "Whether it is with Pakistan, SA or Australia, you want to make sure the game of cricket moves forward. That is what we have devoted ourselves to after stepping off the playing field and we want to make sure the game moves forward and in the right direction.
Philander worked closely with Pakistan's established bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz and Haris Rauf at the World Cup.