Proteas seamer Vernon Philander's decision to join Somerset for the 2020 County Championship is a big boost for those betting on them to win the Division One title next year.
Philander has been a seasoned campaigner for South Africa for many years – and his talent is on display during the ongoing first Test against England at SuperSport Park in Centurion. He will retire from all international cricket at the end of this four-Test series.
Somerset finished second to champions Essex in the 2019 County Championship, but early markets with Bet365 have Kent at 7.00 to win the title in 2020. Alternatively, there's Essex again at 4.33 or a cheeky punt on Kent at 13.00.
Philander has served up superb lines and lengths many, many times – and will lap up seam-friendly conditions in the United Kingdom. When the individual markets open, bettors would be well placed to pick him as the top wicket-taker in the 2020 County Championship Division One.
What was said about Vernon Philander
“Vernon is undoubtedly a genuinely world-class performer and we are delighted to have agreed terms with such a talented player. When the possibility of signing him presented itself, and considering the challenges that we feel lie ahead of us with regards to achieving our aspirations, we felt that it was too good an opportunity to miss,” said Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry.
“To put it simply, he is one of the very best bowlers in the game and he would add quality to any team in the world. His experience and knowledge of the game will also be of huge benefit to our bowling group, especially the young players looking to break in to the first XI.”
Somerset have also signed Australian batsman Matthew Wade for the 2020 County Championship, so they have done well to boost their batting and bowling ranks. He was solid enough for the Australians in the 2019 Ashes and will be back to sample English conditions next year.
“I got a good taste of English conditions last summer and it'll be good to come back over,” said Wade.
“Somerset have a bit of a history of Australian players doing well for the club, so hopefully I can add my name to that list.”
