Image Credit- AFP
At the end of the
second day, Glenn Phillips responded to questions from the media in a
customarily courteous and diplomatic manner. He was asked why he had not bowled
a single ball in the first innings, especially during Australia’s ten-wicket
stand that ended at 116 runs.
“If you look at the way the wind was going today, small side to leg side
with the wind, one really, really strong right-hand better and a left-hander
that wasn’t facing many balls, I don’t think that’s the match-up,”
Phillips said. “I think the way Tim [Southee] used the bowlers was really
good. I’m always keen to have a bowl, I’m always keen to bowl at whatever-hand
batter.”
After Nathan Lyon
had claimed four wickets in less than twenty-four hours, Southee’s match-ups
were discarded, and Phillips wrecked havoc by taking his first five wickets in
a Test, illuminating both New Zealand’s selection and preparation as well as
Australia’s flimsy batting.
After starting their second bowling innings 204 runs behind, Phillips destroyed
Head once more on day three. He also removed Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Cameron
Green, and Alex Carey, taking 5 for 45 from 16 overs as Australia collapsed to
be all out for 164. New Zealand now only needed to win by 369 runs.
He talked the talk
and then, with trademark vigour and energy, walked the walk. Phillips took up
the mantle and ran with it in a week that saw the departure of Neil Wagner, New
Zealand’s go-to man during bad times.
But in light of that, certain inquiries must be made regarding Australia. This
was no Shamar Joseph on a treacherous Gabba pitch with a pink ball. Not even
Wagner, with his relentless, nasty, short-pitched bowling. It was an off-spin
bowler who also works as a part-time wicketkeeper. To be fair to Phillips, he
has demonstrated at the first-class, restricted overs, and already the Test
levels that his offerings are exceptional. He can produce spin and bounce off
any surface when he bowls at a fast rpm rate.
When Phillips joined
the attack, Australia was ahead 273, 68 for 3. In his first three overs, he had
bowled neatly but had let up ten runs, seven of which went to Khawaja. After
Phillips’ fourth over, Khawaja gave up after five balls. He walked out and tried
a frantic slog to a delivery that was stumped after it was nicely flighted well
wide of off.
What happened was a scene that Australians have seen far too often in recent
memory. They gave up their wickets to spin when they were in control of the
game, much as they had done against Moeen Ali at Headingley and The Oval.
When Pat Cummins
twice offered skied catches straight to Scott Kuggeleijn at long-on and
replacement Henry Nicholls at deep midwicket, but both attempts were grassed,
he deserved a sixth wicket.
To enthusiastic applause, Phillips nevertheless lifted the ball and walked off
the ground. He was equally appreciated yesterday for his outstanding rearguard
71 at bat. When it seemed like there was no hope, he gave New Zealand a shot.
There is no truth to the rumours that Wagner’s heart would be lost if he joined
the Black Caps. The gap has been filled by Glenn Phillips.