Christchurch: New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips credited his quick running between the wickets to the way his mind naturally works, after showcasing his speed during the second T20I against India at Hagley Oval here on Saturday.
Phillips scored 70 off 43 balls and played a key role in helping the hosts post 180/5 in the first innings. He hit four sixes and as many fours, with his innings also characterised by quick running between the wickets.
He also made a full-length dive to avoid being run out early in the innings. Had he not made that dive, he would have been run out. Speaking after the first innings, the Kiwi batter explained how quick running had become second nature to him and the team.
“I’d like to say it’s just how my brain works, but I think it’s probably more about the team mentality and the culture that we’ve built over the years of doing this. For us, it’s about working as hard as possible and taking that little extra run, which might make the difference in the game. I think that’s the key,” he told broadcasters during the mid-innings break.
New Zealand were in trouble at 41/3 in 5.2 overs as the Indian bowlers made early inroads during the powerplay. Phillips and Bevon Jacobs (58) put together a 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket to revive the innings and take the hosts to a competitive total.
Phillips said the total had seemed difficult to reach at one stage. “I think for us it was hard, really trying to get to that plateau. We thought maybe 180 was about as high as we could possibly get, given the start we had. I think it ended up very well, and for us to be able to put ourselves in a position like that means that our launch phase was really good,” he added.
Having scored 82 in the first T20I, Phillips followed it up with another half-century and described his recent form as fantastic. “It’s fantastic to get out there and do what I can for the boys. I try to put my best foot forward, play every ball on its merits, and the last couple of games have been fantastic,” he added.