Glenn Phillips hoping to make it big in maiden call up to New Zealand side

20-year old Glenn Phillips is perhaps one of the most lucky persons when it comes to playing for New Zealand given the fact that he has been roped into the New Zealand side for the upcoming series against South Africa. While in an ideal situation someone like him would not be appointed, the fact of the matter is that one of their own Martin Guptill has indeed failed to pass a fitness Test.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Phillips went ahead and stated that he was not expecting the call and that this was perhaps the biggest call of his life in the grand scheme of things.

“I got the news at about 7.40 last night … it was the biggest call of my life so far, I can’t believe it really,” Phillips said on Tuesday (February 14). “It was very much out of the blue. I thought Martin Guptill would be there, I thought he was fully fit. Getting that call at that time in the evening was a bit of a shock but definitely one I’m really happy about it.”

Even Gavin Larsen, the chief selector went ahead and stated his pleasure for the appointment. “Glenn was outstanding for Auckland at the top of the order in the Super Smash and proved an extremely exciting player,” national selector Gavin Larsen said.

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“In the end, as an opening batsman the faster the ball comes the faster it goes off bat, I prefer it to come a bit quicker,” Phillips said. That he is just 20 also allows New Zealand Cricket to keep any sort of pressure away from him, allowing him to ease into the highest level. I haven’t been given any expectations, which is nice on new shoulders … I’m feeling good, I will just be keeping things as simple as possible.”