Otago Cricket are excited to announce that BLACKCAPS rising star, Glenn Phillips, has transferred to Otago & will play for the Otago Volts in the 2022/23 season.

Phillips, a hard-hitting, 25-year old all-rounder, has electrified cricket grounds across the world since his debut for the Auckland Aces in January 2015.

During that season's Super Smash T20 competition, Phillips’ batting talent shone through - ending the tournament as the leading run-scorer for Auckland with 369 runs. That ensured a call-up to the national U19 team for the 2016 World Cup.

Since then, Phillips rise has been meteoric, making his BLACKCAPS T20I debut against South Africa in February 2017, and his Test debut against Australia in January 2020.

Between 2016 – 2022 Phillips has plied his trade in several overseas leagues, representing the Jamaica Tallawahs, Gloucestershire, Welsh Fire, Barbados Royals, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Phillips expressed his excitement in joining the Otago Volts team environment.

“The Volts are a group of young, extremely talented players, who I feel are in a good place to build their careers and become a competitive team in all formats.” said Phillips.

“The coaching group are also amazing and encourage players towards playing their natural way. This approach is important with the way the game is going.” Phillips continued.

For Phillips, the opportunity to make his case as a genuine all-rounder & play with younger brother, Dale, were major motivations for the move South.

“In order to push my case for BLACKCAPS Test & ODI selection, I need to be bowling more overs and taking wickets at a domestic level,”

“With the retirement of Anaru Kitchen, I saw a real opportunity to come South and make a name for myself as a genuine all-rounder.” Phillips explained.

Brothers Glenn (25 years) & Dale (23 years) have a history of playing together, having both represented the same NZ U19 side in 2016, and played together for Auckland club side, Howick Pakuranga CC, before Dale’s contract with the Volts.

“Having played alongside Dale many times in the past, it will be pretty special to take the field together again,” said Phillips.

“We love playing together, and since we are such different players, we will both bring a unique skillset to the Volts. Not to mention playing with your brother is always a lot of fun anyway!”

Otago Volts Head Coach, Dion Ebrahim, spoke highly of the Auckland Aces transfer.

“Glenn comes with a growing experience of International Cricket and global exposure,” said Ebrahim.

“We are excited that he has recognized our environment as being one where he can come and express himself and where he will thrive and improve.”

Ebrahim explained what Otago fans should expect from a player of Phillips’ calibre.

“Glenn fits the mould of player who are becoming the foundation of our squad - those having an exceptional work ethic, lofty ambitions and plays the game in a competitive and energetic manner,” Ebrahim explained.

“He will not only raise our standards but also entertain our fans and wider support groups alongside inspiring the younger generation,”

“Glenn aspires to play for the BLACKCAPS in all three formats and we look forward to helping him achieve that here in Otago. We welcome him and his partner Kate to the Volts family." Ebrahim concluded.

As Glenn is centrally contracted to New Zealand Cricket, his contract will not count towards Otago’s sixteen (16) domestic contracts to be announced late-June.

Phillips passed on the following message for Otago Volts fans.

“I am really looking forward to getting out there with the Volts and doing my best to add to what the group already has. Hopefully, we can play the exciting, entertaining brand of cricket that we are striving for” – Glenn Phillips

Glenn Phillips Batting Statistics:

Glenn Phillips Bowling Statistics:

Glenn Phillips – CricInfo Profile

*ENDS*

Article added: Tuesday 31 May 2022