New Zealand go into their third game of the 2023 ODI World Cup today as they look to carry on their momentum and take a commanding 3-0 record.
Amongst the very talented New Zealand team is former Gloucestershire star Glenn Phillips who celebrated two successful stints at the Bristol County ground and played in the Hundred with Gloucestershire cricket affiliate Welsh Fire over the past months.
Phillips was a part of the Gloucestershire team which enjoyed successful seasons in both 2021 and 2022, only just missing out on the knockout rounds.
South African born, Phillips, quickly became a fan favorite in the Vitality Blast, after scoring 500 runs in an astounding 12 matches, second most of any batters in the competition in 2021. His highest-scoring innings came in a 34-run win against Glamorgan in which the all-rounder scored a staggering 94*.
After seeing high levels of success in 2021, Phillips re-signed and spoke highly about the cricketing county “I really enjoyed my time at ‘Glos’ last year and I am very glad to be returning this season. It’s going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to get underway.”
As the speculation emerges over his tenure for The Shire and possible returns; the Top-order wicketkeeper eyes up the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The Kiwi international made his debut for his nation in 2017 and already holds the sixth spot in all-time run scorers in the T20 format, Phillips also celebrates one of the most impressive performances in recent New Zealand cricket history after scoring 108 off just 51 balls, shattering the record for the fastest century for a New Zealand cricketer in T20 format.
The New Zealand cricket team has had a very successful start to the World Cup after making light work of England and the Netherlands, winning both in impressive fashion.
Now as the Black Caps eye up a clash against Bangladesh, Phillips is looking to properly get his World Cup campaign underway, after not being needed in New Zealand’s win over England. He got his first bit of action with the bat against the Netherlands where he dwindled, only getting four runs in four balls before being dismissed by young gun bowler Bas de Leede.
Phillips is not the only cricketer in the squad to play for Gloucestershire, as respected captain Kane Williamson had a stint at the club in the 2011-12 season. Other World Cup stars such as Paul Van Meekeren, are also representing their respective countries on the big stage.
