Champions Trophy 2025: Glenn Phillips on his love of fielding and ‘Superman’ catches
His attributes are obvious when you sit with Phillips.
The raised forearms, wide shoulders, huge thighs and a chunky frame all help him cover the ground at speed, waving and jumping from the low center of gravity. He also talked about hug being diagnosed with ADHD.
However, Phillips, born in South Africa and then moved to New Zealand with his five-year-old family, was unhappy to be able to get along with his body.
The 28-year-old is a researcher in field combat mechanisms. He watched the NFL, and baseball in particular was a theory about how to push these limits.
He practices throwing with a non-dominant left arm and testing different ways to collect the ball on the field, like picking up with his left hand and throwing it with his right hand, and vice versa, to maintain momentum through the ball.
“In baseball, pick it up on the movement of the glove side, keep going, and throw it away much faster,” Phillips said.
“Obviously, that provides a lot of motivation and strength. It can get a little harder when you’re naked.
“I haven’t found out if there is actually a difference. I’ve used it a few times in the game and it feels really cool.”
Those who know Phillips describe him as one of all who is good at everything.
His electrical on the field is a tough batsman, bowls spin thoroughly, and even ticket inspectors at the international level, and he now stops that because “there is no ability to move, no running, no diving, and no ability to do something special unless the ball stands out in one of your specific positions”.
Phillips also took up archery, which he thought could help with his cricket.
“The elements I take out from it are more of a process,” he said.
“Obviously, baseball, I’ve seen its outdoor elements. Golf, the real patience aspect.
“But archery is a real process-driven sport and if you focus on trying to hit the target, it usually doesn’t actually work.
“If you focus on doing what you can do well, it’s the process and the end result will take care of yourself.”
Phillips believes New Zealand’s field gives them “an advantage of big matches” – they have reached their fourth men’s white ball final since 2015 – but can see the big picture as well when showing off his art.
“If I can do something to give back to the cricket community and inspire the next generation to enjoy the savage game instead of wanting to sit on the sidelines and just bats and bowls, I think that’s something I’m happy to be out of this game one day,” Phillips said.
Phillips hopes to fly out of the sky after retirement. Maybe others will follow his leadership on the field.
