Glenn Phillips heaps praise on 'incredibly impressive' Santner as Bangladesh pay the price

The Mirpur Test witnessed a thrilling comeback by New Zealand's all-rounders, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner, who rescued their team from a shaky position of 69 for six in the 137-run chase. The duo's resilience came at a crucial juncture, recovering the innings on what the New Zealand captain Tim Southee called the 'worst pitch' of his career.

Phillips, who top-scored in both innings with 87 and an unbeaten 40, said they were struggling against the Bangladesh bowlers. However, during the tea break, he shared his batting plan with Santner, emphasising staying on the leg side of the ball and using fast hands to play it. Santner, following the advice, played a good innings and remained unbeaten on 35, steering New Zealand towards victory.

"They were bowling really well at the time. It was a real blessing for us to get to tea. We had a bit of chat, talked a bit about tactics. He has got incredibly fast hands. I let him in on my game plan, about staying leg-side of the ball and using my hands and bats to play the ball. He thought it was a good option for him as well. The way he came out after tea and really took it to the bowlers, the way he played the offies as well, it was incredibly impressive. It took the pressure off myself," Phillips said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Phillips, the standout batter for the Kiwis in both innings, shared his game plan and said that he intended to bat in the second innings just as he did in the first.

"I think at the end of the day, I was sticking to my plan. It worked in the first innings. We made adjustments from the first game as well, so it was sticking to that and keeping my processes calm and clear. I was still taking the attack to the bowlers when they missed, but at the end of the day, it was about knocking down one run at a time. Take it as deep as possible," he said.

The Bangladesh bowlers were good with the new ball: Phillips 

Phillips praised the Bangladesh bowlers for their early exploits, acknowledging the tough task faced by New Zealand batters. He also reflected on the significance of the eight-run lead at the end of the first innings, stating that winning the toss was key for Bangladesh.

"The Bangladesh bowlers were good with the new ball. Some skidding on, some spinning. It was tough for our batters. It became a bit more predictable as the ball got older. Thankfully for us, it presented some more scoring opportunities," he said.

The match witnessed Phillips excelling with the ball as well and contributing with eight wickets in the series. Phillips expressed his fulfilment, saying that it was his dream for a long time to bowl so many overs.

"It was a dream of mine for a long time to actually bowl so many overs. To be able to take a few wickets as well. The process that I have actually been through has paid off. Timmy (Southee) had the confidence to go to me despite knowing that I don't have the experience behind me, but thankfully the conditions were favorable to spinners,” he concluded.