Glenn Phillips‘ last year has been nothing short of remarkable. The Kiwi star has been a regular member of New Zealand’s white-ball team after many spectacular knocks during his tenure. Despite the fact that Phillips made his international debut in 2017, it was 2020 year that the world of cricket realized what he had upon his sleeve.
He produced satisfactory results and was even offered a central contract by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). Whereas the wicketkeeper-batsman in 2021 elevated his power-hitting to a whole new extreme. In T20 cricket this year (including the Hundred), no one has hammered more sixes than Phillips’ 89. His total of 1289 runs this year is also the highest by a batsman in T20 cricket.
Just trying to hit everything for six: Phillips
Phillips claimed that working out in the gym has allowed him to improve his strength and ability to cross the rope with ease. The 24-year-old said that his daily training routine includes up to 800 press-ups.
“Being in the gym has had a lot to do with it (six-hitting). I’ve definitely put on some weight and started throwing a bit more tin around,” Phillips said during a virtual media interaction.
“So when it came to batting in the middle, if I did need to take it deeper, I could, but I always knew that I could catch up and clear the rope if I had to. I think understanding what my strong shots are to be able to hit those sixes allows me to keep a cool head and play the right balls and hit them for six, as opposed to just trying to hit everything for six,” he added.
Phillips went on to say that it was necessary for him to grasp his strength in addition to burning it out at the gym. “I think it’s a combination of working hard in the gym as well as understanding my game and what my strengths are and understanding the line and length that I’m looking for in order to be able to hit the maximum,” he further said.
However, Phillips is preparing for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2021, in which he hopes to lead New Zealand to the ultimate title.
