Photo: Facebook/Qazi De Villiers Cricket South Africa

File photo: Vernon Philander, far left, celebrates a previous victory with the Proteas team.

South Africa's Jacques Kallis and Vernon Philander have been named two of five finalists for the International Cricket Council's LG People's Choice Awards. They're up against former winners Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara, and England's James Anderson, for the honour.

The five finalists were nominated by an elite ICC panel headed by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd. The other members of the panel are Sri Lanka's Marvan Atapattu, England's Clare Connor, Carl Hooper of the West Indies and Australia's Tom Moody.

The criteria for nomination included the qualities of innovation, dynamism, strength in decision-making, performing well under pressure and executing a plan to distinction.

Jacques Kallis

Kallis began 2012 by scoring 224 against Sri Lanka at Newlands and more recently he struck 182 not out against England at The Oval where the Proteas recorded a very impressive victory by an innings and 12 runs.

"It means a lot to be nominated for the People's Choice Award," Kallis told Cricket South Africa.

"It's very rewarding, and humbling to receive the recognition after having a good year for the side."

Vernon Philander

Philander was crowned South Africa's Cricketer of the year in June after a stunning debut season for the Proteas.

He became the fastest player to reach 50 test wickets in the modern era, achieving the feat in just seven matches. In his young career, in only eight matches, he claimed six five wickets in an innings hauls and twice took 10 wickets in a match.

"My favourite moment of the year is definitely my debut game for South Africa," Philander related.

"We bowled Australia out for 47 at my home ground, Sahara Park Newlands, and I got the man-of-the-match award. I will remember it for a very long time.

"The support from the fans has been amazing since I have joined the Proteas and I encourage everyone to go out there and vote for myself and Jacques."

'Hugely popular'

ICC Chief Executive, former Proteas' wicketkeeper Dave Richardson, said in a statement: "This is the third year of the LG People's Choice Award and it is proving to be hugely popular among fans across the globe and continues to highlight how much voting for their cricketing heroes means.

"This year sees the two past winners nominated again alongside three other extremely deserving candidates. I'm sure the public will choose wisely as to who will be the 2012 winner of this prestigious award at the LG ICC Awards 2012."

The award is the only ICC award decided by the fans, who will be able to cast their votes on the ICC's official Facebook page.

Voting will be open until 31 August. The winner will be announced on 15 September at the LG ICC Awards in Colombo, Sri Lanka.