Philander injured his ankle while playing football during the tour of India in November and South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed on Wednesday he would play no part in the remaining two Tests.
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England will still win this series and it could well be 3-0.
The declaration came moments after the second Test between South Africa and England ended in a draw.
One-day squad: De Villiers (captain), Abbott, Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Duminy, Du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morkel, Morris, Rabada, Rossouw, Steyn.
England had been in complete command after posting 6-629 declared in their first innings but South Africa, inspired by Amla’s double century, replied with a defiant 7-627dec, then turned the game completely through the success of its bowlers. “I think somebody else can do a better job”.
And de Villiers says that captaining the Proteas Test side is a dream come true.
Several pundits have questioned the merits of the diminutive Bavuma’s inclusion on the national team, but according to Amla – who relinquished the Test captaincy after the Newlands Test – that is normal in South Africa. “It was enjoyable and indeed a great learning experience”, he added.
England survived a wobble on the last day at Newlands to end a match that will be remembered for Ben Stokes’ brilliant first innings in which the 24-year-old smashed 258 from 198 deliveries.
While the news was greeted with surprise, Amla revealed the call had been made at least two weeks ago and had been discussed at length with his team-mates and management.
Amla also thanked his supporters, he said, “Throughout my time as captain, whether in good times or tough times, I’ve always had the full support of my team mates, coaching staff and management”.
Both teams scored more than 600 runs in the first innings before declaring.
South Africa clawed back over the next two days, keeping England in the field on hot, energy-sapping days as they slowly regained a foothold and eventually declared just two runs short of the visitors’ total.
Fellow opener Alex Hales was out next over to a diving one-handed catch by debutant Chris Morris in the slips.
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However, Dale Steyn, who’s not included in the 16-member squad, is expected to be fit in time to play the third Test at Johannesburg starting January 14.
