Photo Credit: ICC
BLACKCAP Glenn Phillips has transferred to Otago, and will play for the Otago Volts in the 2022/23 season, joining his young brother Dale Phillips in the blue and gold.
The hard-hitting 25-year old has electrified cricket grounds across the world since his debut for the Auckland Aces in January 2015, going on to make his BLACKCAPS T20I debut against South Africa in February 2017 and Test debut against Australia in January 2020.
Phillips has also represented the Jamaica Tallawahs, Gloucestershire, the Welsh Fire, Barbados Royals, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad beyond New Zealand, but in Otago he was particularly attracted by the chance to develop his role as an off-spinning allrounder in the wake of the now retired Volt Anaru Kitchen.
For Phillips, that opportunity to make his case as a genuine allrounder, and to play again with younger brother Dale, were major motivations for the move south.
“In order to push my case for BLACKCAPS Test and ODI selection, I need to be bowling more overs and taking wickets at a domestic level,” said Phillips – whose last season with the Auckland Aces saw him earn both Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield winner’s medallions.
“With the retirement of Anaru, I saw a real opportunity to come south and make a name for myself as a genuine allrounder.”
Batting brothers Glenn (25) and Dale (23) have history playing together, having represented NZ U19 together in 2016, and previously playing together for Auckland club side Howick Pakuranga, before Dale’s move to the Volts.
“It will be pretty special to take the field together again,” said the elder Phillips.
“We love playing together, and since we are such different players, we will both bring a unique skillset to the Volts.”
Otago Volts Head Coach Dion Ebrahim said the team is delighted to have another BLACKCAP join the Volts group.
“We’re excited that he has recognised our environment as being one where he can come and express himself and where he will thrive and improve.”
“Glenn fits the mould of player becoming the foundation of our squad – those having an exceptional work ethic, lofty ambitions, and playing the game in a competitive and energetic manner.”
With Phillips already centrally contracted to New Zealand Cricket for the 2022/23 season, another bonus for the Volts is that he will not take up a spot on Otago’s list of 16 Domestic contracted players, to be announced in late June.
