Recovered Philander passed fit to bat

South Africa quick Vernon Philander has recovered from a stomach illness that hospitalised him on Friday and been passed fit to bat for his side on day three of the third Test at The Oval.

The Proteas are 8-126 and struggling to stay in the contest, after England made 353 in their first innings.

Philander took 2-17 in 12 overs in between bouts of what was said to be stomach illness on Thursday's rain-marred first day.

But he only bowled five more overs in Friday's first session before leaving the field, and did not return for the remainder of England's first innings of 353.

"Vernon Philander has been admitted to hospital and is being treated for a probable viral infection," said team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

"He will remain in hospital overnight on intravenous fluids for rehydration and will be reassessed in the morning to determine his participation in the current match." Quick Single: Philander 'hardest I faced' says Ponting Philander's possible absence from the rest of the match is another blow to the tourists, who were 8-126 at stumps on the second day, still trailing by 227.  The 32-year-old is one of the leading seam bowlers in world cricket, having taken 171 wickets in 46 Tests at an average of 22.14.

He has also become an increasingly effective batsman and named player of the match for his all-round contribution to South Africa's 340-run win in the second Test at Trent Bridge that saw the Proteas level this four-match series at 1-1. Quick Single: Du Plessis hails 'the new Jacques Kallis' And the Proteas missed him dearly with the bat on Friday as they collapsed to 7-61 at one stage in their first innings.