With New Zealand tumbling to perform in the Test series against Sri Lanka, the visitors suffered a 63-run loss in the first Test, which came as a shock to many since the Kiwis were expected to perform well because of their star-studded lineup. However, under Tim Southee, the team did not see success in the first Test match, and as a result now, the team slipped to fourth spot in the WTC table.
Since performances are not up to the mark from the New Zealand side under Tim Southee, can we see some change in the captaincy? With Kane Williamson, who had a successful stint as leader for the team in Tests, having chosen to leave the Test captaincy, now the team is not enjoying that level of success in the red-ball format. Under Southee, in 14 games the team won 6 but also lost 5.
Amid all the fuss going on, the name that has been taking the stage is Glenn Phillips. Many believe this star all-rounder can take over the captaincy, not only in the red-ball format but also in white-ball cricket. But why is he considered the best fit for the team according to many?
Reason why Glenn Phillips could be best option to captain New Zealand
This 27-year-old champion all-rounder has never captained the side, but now, with many changes happening in management, he could become the leader. The reasons for this are many. Phillips, who is consistently performing well, especially in the white-ball format, has already played more than 70 T20Is, 30 ODIs, and 8 Tests. He is doing an impressive job with his all-round capabilities.
Mentioned earlier, many developments are underway. On one hand, we see Tim Southee, who is already 35, and the Kiwi Test team will look to the future. Certainly, Southee is not going to be there, especially as captain, if we talk about the upcoming five or six years. Glenn Phillips could be a strong candidate due to his young age and the experience he is gaining.
In the white-ball format, Tom Latham, who is currently leading, has also crossed the 30-year age mark and could potentially lead for one or two more years. However, we may gradually see Glenn Phillips taking on more leadership responsibilities. It is also worth noting that Phillips has been wonderful for the camp with his all-round attributes in limited overs cricket. He has established himself as a white-ball cricket specialist and also has expressed his intent to lead the national team, especially in T20Is.
Although he has competitors such as Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, the chances of him standing out are high.
Glenn Phillips on Sri Lanka Test
The team is struggling in Sri Lanka. Phillips himself said how poor they were in the field during the second Test match as well ,the team lost a few crucial fielding chances and failed to capitalize. As a result, the whole Kiwi camp struggled, while Sri Lanka posted more than 300 runs on Day 1, thanks to Dinesh Chandimal Ton. “A couple of catches dropped and a few other chances gone begging,” said Glenn Phillips on New Zealand’s poor fielding in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Glenn Phillips stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s |
| Tests | 8 | 14 | 2 | 419 | 87 | 34.91 | 566 | 74.02 | 0 | 3 |
| ODIs | 30 | 24 | 3 | 735 | 72 | 35 | 754 | 97.48 | 0 | 4 |
| T20Is | 78 | 69 | 12 | 1875 | 108 | 32.89 | 1319 | 142.15 | 2 | 10 |
