Philander eyes shorter formats

Vernon Philander, the South Africa seamer, hopes to use his stint in the Caribbean Premier League as a means to break into South Africa's limited-overs squads. Philander, set to play for Jamaica Tallawahs, has only played eight ODIs and seven T20s since making his international debut in 2007. Since his remarkable entry to Test cricket in 2011, he has been identified by the selectors as a Test specialist.

"I have obviously not played a lot of white-ball cricket for South Africa," Philander was quoted as saying in Barbados Nation. "This tournament is a chance for me to step up in the shortest form of the game and I am pretty excited about it.

"I back myself in the shorter formats and want the opportunity at international level so if I can put my name on the board then that is what I want to do."

Philander took a five-for in his Test debut against Australia at Newlands in 2011 and within five months became the second-fastest to 50 Test wickets, in seven games. Philander has thrived in helping bowling conditions at home in South Africa, and in away tours to New Zealand, England and Australia. Popular opinion called for his inclusion for the Champions Trophy squad, but he wasn't selected.

Philander is currently representing Kent in the Friends Life t20 and has taken nine wickets in seven games. He understands the challenges of bowling in the West Indies, where the conditions may not be as helpful.

"The conditions will pose challenges and as I have not played in the West Indies before, that is something I will have to get used to," he said. "It will be a case of getting used to the decks and bowling up front as quickly as possible."

He said he wasn't looking as far ahead as the World T20 in 2014 in Bangladesh. "Obviously I would love to play in it but my first priority has to be to do well in the CPL. If I can do that, make my mark and make a name for myself, I will be in a much better position for selection, but the CPL is the first thing to get right."