Melbourne, Nov 5 : Proteas fast bowling sensation Vernon Philander, who has taken a record 63 wickets in his first 10 Tests, has been named South African Sportsman of the Year.

The award was made at the South African Sports Awards ceremony on Sunday evening.

The 27-year-old has made such an impact since his Test debut a year ago, that he is now ranked the number two bowler in the world behind new ball partner, Dale Steyn.

The fast bowler beat two Olympic gold medal swimmers to the award, News. com. au reports.

Chad le Clos won the 200 metres butterfly and ended Michael Phelps'' unbeaten record of more than a decade in the event while Cameron van der Burgh won the 100 metres breaststroke in world record time.

Philander was congratulated by Cricket South Africa's Acting CEO Jacques Faul.

"Vernon has been an inspirational member of the Proteas Castle Lager Test squad during the past year," Faul said.

"To become the fastest player to take 50 Test match wickets in more than 100 years is a phenomenal achievement on its own. But to do so in his debut year of Test match cricket is truly remarkable.

"To cap it all he was named Man of the Match in South Africa's Test victory at Lord's this year when the Proteas claimed the No. 1 ranking in Test match cricket." (ANI)