New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips praised Mitchell Santner’s remarkable performance, describing it as “incredibly impressive,” after their crucial seventh-wicket partnership in the Dhaka Test against Bangladesh. The duo’s stand was pivotal in rescuing New Zealand from a precarious situation as they chased 137 runs, with the team at 69 for 6 on the fourth afternoon.
Phillips revealed that he shared his batting approach with Santner during their partnership, emphasizing the importance of staying leg-side of the ball and using hands and bats effectively. Santner embraced the advice, contributing an unbeaten 35 runs to the partnership.
“They were bowling really well at the time,” Phillips commented. “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, the top-scorer in both innings with scores of 87 and 40 not out, expressed his intent to maintain consistency in his batting approach. He credited New Zealand’s eight-run lead at the end of the first innings for providing a psychological advantage over Bangladesh and instilling confidence in their second innings.
“Winning the toss was key for Bangladesh. It was a blessing to get ahead of their first innings total. Those eight runs made a lot of difference. It gave the boys the confidence in the second innings with the bat,” Phillips remarked.
Reflecting on his own performance, Phillips, who also took eight wickets in the Test series, expressed satisfaction with his role as a bowler. He highlighted the trust placed in him by Tim Southee, despite limited experience, and acknowledged favorable conditions for spinners in the series.
“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.”
The Dhaka Test proved to be a challenging but ultimately successful encounter for New Zealand, with Phillips and Santner playing pivotal roles in securing a series-leveling victory.
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