Allrounder Glenn Phillips enjoying this new role as he shows marked improvement in both the facets of his Test game.
Allrounder Glenn Phillips isn’t one to hold back, particularly when he’s the one who wronged a teammate. Daryl Mitchell was hitting brilliantly when that run out occurred, scoring 57 off of 86.
However, Phillips is one of the game’s greatest hustlers: he is a wicketkeeper who can bowl off-spin with devastating force on dry surfaces. An astute infielder or outfielder as any in the game. And, of course, one of the sport’s most consistent boundary-hitters. Few cricket players perform as much on as many levels. Respect for the hustle is required.
He took two wickets in the first innings with his offspin, which at times took huge turn. He’s bowled 30 overs in this Test so far, and from the sounds, has loved it.
“I love my bowling much more than my batting. Being able to bowl spells of 10 over and then eight overs on the first day, and then a cheeky six tonight – I love it. Hopefully there’s a few more poles (wickets) under the belt in the coming days.”
While New Zealand will soon have a day off, they still face a Test match in Galle as well as upcoming matches in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Perhaps even spinners like Phillips could be useful, especially against left-handers, given that Will O’Rourke and Tim Southee have established some footholds in Galle.
“[O’Rourke] has made some good footmarks on both sides of the pitch. If you manage to hit them there’s some good turn and bounce.”
However, Phillips’ batting has been the main source of contribution for him thus far in this Test. 49 not out of 45 balls was his score. Out of those runs, thirty were off sixes.
“Batting with the tail is always a niche art. The fact that we managed to put 36 on for the final wicket is a boost going into the bowling period. We would have liked more, but a 34-run lead is always valuable.”