Cricket: Philander out by the barest of margins

There is a fine line between glory and failure in Test cricket.

Just ask Vernon Philander.

The South African paceman was the victim of one the slightest of edges ever seen in cricket when he was given out against Australian in the Third Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Philander lasted just nine balls when he was caught by keeper Matthew Wade trying to ward off a sharp Josh Hazlewood delivery that ballooned off his leg guard.

However, the 31-year-old immediately sent the decision to the third umpire, confident that the ball hadn’t hit willow.

And DRS seemed to prove Philander correct with neither video replays and hot spot showing any sign of an edge.

That was until snicko was brought onscreen and the review was tipped on its head.

The audio technology showed a single spike erupting as the ball flew past the bat and revealed the faintest of edges.

With the umpire’s decision confirmed, an incredulous Philander made the long walk bat to the pavilion.

At the dinner break, the tourists were 7 for 165 with skipper Faf du Plessis playing a lone hand against the Australian bowlers.