New Zealand‘s dynamic talent, Glenn Phillips, is undergoing a remarkable transformation into an all-round cricketer, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball. While he initially made a name for himself in white-ball formats, the inspired decision by New Zealand to include him in Test cricket is proving to be a masterstroke.
Test brilliance against Australia
In the ongoing Test series against Australia, Phillips demonstrated his all-round capabilities, leaving a lasting impact. Following a counterattacking knock of 71 in the first innings of the Wellington Test, he further showcased his versatility by registering a maiden Test match five-wicket haul for the Black Caps.
Glenn Phillips shares insights on his most notable regret
Phillips, who also represents Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), revealed his biggest regret in recent times: taking up wicketkeeping duties during the IPL 2023. Acknowledging that he hasn’t been perceived as a genuine bowling option, he emphasized his commitment to evolving as an all-round player.
“I did it [keeping] for the IPL last year – it was my biggest regret,” Phillips was quoted as saying by Stuff.co.nz
“I’ve definitely been caught in moments where I’m not taken seriously and then you have to get into that prove-it mindset again, which is sometimes hard to take. There’s a difference in mindset, understanding that I am a genuine option, not just someone for a ‘oh, here we go, we’ll see how it goes, part-time scenario,” the 27-year-old added.
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Overcoming stigmas: A red-ball journey
His journey as a red-ball off-spinner faced challenges, aiming to dispel the stigma attached to being labeled a wicketkeeper since his early days. In his sixth Test, Phillips felt a sense of belonging at the bowling crease, marking a significant milestone. Notably, he also became the first New Zealand spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in a home Test since 2008.
“It’s the first game where personally, from a mental perspective, I let myself feel that I was there to do a job, rather than to prove I could do the job. I think that mindset change really helped, especially against a side like Australia,” Phillips concluded.
