Glenn Phillips Smashes His Maiden Test Ton and Etches His Name in History

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Glenn Phillips becomes only the third batter from New Zealand to score a century in all three formats of the game
• His maiden ton in the on-going second test vs England helped New Zealand post a commanding total of 391 in the first innings
• England reeling at 222 for 6 at the end of Day 2, trailing by 169 runs

The Kiwi Middle-Order batter, Glenn Phillips etched his name into New Zealand’s record books after smashing his maiden ton against England in the on-going second test at The Oval. His innings helped the Black Caps post a commanding total of 391 runs and get firm grip on the match. 

With this innings, Phillips became only the third batter from New Zealand to hit an international century across all three formats of the game - T20, ODIs and Tests, joining the elite company of former New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum, and the talismanic opener, Martin Guptill. 

It is worth noting that, New Zealand's most prolific batter, and the all-time leading century-maker, Kane Williams, with 48 hundreds to his name, never managed to hit a T20 ton in his career. His best score in a T20 international match is 95, which he scored against India way back in 2020. 

Phillips’ incredible feat also places him as the 35th player globally to have scored a century in all three forms of International cricket. 

Glenn Phillips: I dedicate this ton to my late father, Roland

Known for his aggressive batting style and power hitting, Phillips completed his century in 133 deliveries, and riding on his ton, New Zealand posted a strong total of 391 runs in their first innings. Kyle Jamieson, the tall and lanky fast bowler chipped in with some useful runs lower down the order, scoring 41 runs. 

For England, the young spinner, Jacob Bethell did the bulk of the damage, scalping three wickets, while giving away just 26 runs and eventually wrapping up the Kiwi innings. 

At the end of the day’s play, Phillips said, “It is the anniversary of my dad’s passing tomorrow.” He further added, “Hopefully with our boys doing their thing, maybe I’m not going to be needed tomorrow. But today is close enough for the moment to matter, and he’s been a big role in my life. I know he would have loved to be here to see that, and Test cricket was his favourite format. I know he is watching in some station.”

The Archer - Phillips due was the highlight of the day

One of the highlights of Phillip’s sizzling innings was the stunning prolonged battle with the express pacer, Jofra Archer who peppered him with some rockets and bouncers that were aimed at the throat. During his inning, Phillips swayed and ducked away, and even took a few nasty blows to the body. He later admitted that the contest felt strangely familiar. 

“We actually had one of those duels before, six or seven years back in New Zealand, and he pretty much hit me in the exact same spots all over,” Phillips said. “He bowls with great heat, accuracy, and he just keeps coming back. Obviously, it  was a thrilling contest for the crowd to see as well, and sometimes you have got to enjoy it, laugh, and hope for the best.”

England’s top order falters in reply

England showed great promise in their reply, as openers Emilio Gay played with caution and composure and made a well-compiled 53, registering his back-to-back test half centuries. However, his dismissal proved to be a crucial point in the match, swinging the momentum back towards the visitors. 

Kiwi fast bowler, Matt Henry was the wrecker-in-chief, producing a stellar spell in the evening session as he dismissed England’s premier batter, Joe Root for 46 and the swashbuckling middle-order batter, Harry Brook for 24 in consecutive overs. Both the batter were dismissed Leg Before Wicket that effectively ended England’s comeback into the test match. 

England closed the day at 222 for 6, still trailing by 169 runs. With only the tail left to bat, New Zealand will have their tail up as they take the field on Day 3.