South Africa ponder Philander ODI recall

Vernon Philander could find himself in contention to play in the Champions Trophy as South Africa continue to search for a new-ball partner for Kagiso Rabada. They have been trialling Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius and Chris Morris, after Kyle Abbott signed a Kolpak deal and ended his international career, but bowling coach Charl Langeveldt admitted they have not got it quite right at the start of the innings and need a quick fix.

"It's going to be a big concern in England where you need to take wickets up front," Langeveldt said. "We always say if we get a team three down early, we've got a good chance of winning the game so we're trying a few things but we are still at the stage where we are finding who is going to be the opening partner to 'KG'. In English conditions, if it's overcast, Vernon would be the perfect guy to play. He fits our mould if we are looking for a guy with a new ball that can bowl you five overs up front. We are looking at all possibilities."