As New Zealand’s cricket team switches gears from the vibrant spectacle of white-ball cricket to the traditional red-ball Test format, their all-rounder Glenn Phillips remains unfazed. With robust preparations underway at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the squad is looking ahead to their upcoming two-match Test series, which is set to commence on November 28th.
The backdrop for this transition is heavily contrasted, as the last Test outing for the New Zealand team was against Sri Lanka in March. Over the past eight months, their focus had shifted primarily to white-ball cricket due to the ICC World Cup. Having their World Cup journey ended in a semi-final defeat by India, the team is now readjusting to the longest form of the game. With the majority of the squad coming straight from the recently-concluded ICC World Cup, the need for a switch in approach and mindset is imperative.
Phillips, following the team’s first practice session at SICS, shed light on the team’s adaptive strategy. “At the end of the day, a lot of the boys are really process-driven. Whether it’s Test cricket or other, the process remains the same,” Phillips asserted, highlighting the importance of a consistent approach regardless of the format.
Embracing the need for mental and physical adjustments, he shares his personal tactic of allocating more time to try things out, which essentially is part of the broad, unchanged strategy the team adheres to. “But basically, it’s all the same stuff. When you go to the field, it’s just a game with either a white or red ball. For us, it’s to go in the middle and follow our process the way we are now,” Phillips elaborates.
The team’s transition is also aided by a short break post-World Cup, with Phillips explaining how it has been beneficial. “It was good for the guys to be in Dubai for a couple of days. It refreshed us, and some of us went home to see the families. It was really good, I think before a Test series, especially after the World Cup, to have this sort of break and come out here refreshed,” he said, emphasizing the rejuvenating effect such pauses can bring.
Phillips, making his first senior team trip to Bangladesh, reminisces about his past tour with the U-19 squad during the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup. He expressed surprise at the Sylhet pitch’s unexpected greenness but remains optimistic about its potential to offer quality play for both bowlers and batsmen.
Additionally, Phillips, as the sole off-spinner, views his role in the series with anticipation, especially given the number of left-handed batsmen in the Bangladesh line-up. His skillset and ability to turn the ball in a direction opposite to the majority can add pressure to the opposition. “Obviously, I’m the only one to bowl off-spin. I’m the only one to turn the ball differently from the other boys. But for me, as Bangladesh have quite a few left-handers in their line-up and my involvement will definitely put pressure on them,” he said with a sense of emerging opportunity.
Committed to fulfilling his role, he further adds, “I guess whatever role I’m required to play, I will go out there to do my best.” The team’s dedication and tactical precision aim to culminate in a successful Test series, with the concluding game scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka starting December 6th.
The buildup to the Test series poses a unique blend of mental preparation, tactical flexibility, and refreshed outlook for the New Zealand squad, spearheaded by players like Glenn Phillips, who recognize the strength derived from maintaining a process-driven approach. As the red ball ascends into focus, the team stands prepared to deliver performances that embrace their adaptability and strategic constancy across the varying formats of the beautiful game of cricket.