Perth — Do not mess with Vernon Philander. He is not the fastest bowler in the Test series between Australia and SA that starts at the Waca on Thursday, nor the most flamboyant, nor is he given to the emphatic bounce, swing or seam movement that have made Dale Steyn and Mitchell Starc poster boys for the aggressive game. But Philander was easily the most intimidating person in the room at a media conference in Perth on Tuesday. It might have been his brooding slouch, or his arms folded resolutely across his chest, or the glare he cast downwards at the gathered reporters. Or it might have been what he said: "There are going to be times when we have to step it up and get a bit nasty. It’s all part of the game. There’s going to be a time when a partnership will develop and it will require one or two bowlers to put up their hands and get a bit ugly and make things uncomfortable. "That tests your character. It’s a part of Test cricket — testing your skills and getting out there and winni...
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