BLACKCAPS all-rounder Glenn Phillips has revealed the extensive preparation behind his recent audacious switch-hitting display in the Super Smash, confirming he’s been honing his left-handed batting skills for several years.
The 31-year-old right-hander, who is renowned for his innovation on the field, successfully deployed the unorthodox technique for the Volts against the Stags in Alexandra on December 30.
Phillips stunned commentators and spectators alike by reversing his stance once during the delivery and once pre-delivery to smash a four and a six through the offside as a left-hander.
Phillips told nzc.nz it’s a strategy he’s been perfecting since his early twenties.
“I’ve always been able to bat left-handed,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve done since I was young. I was actually considering switching to bat left handed when I was about 10 years old, but decided to stick with the right hand.
“I started working on it a bit more recently, facing pace-bowlers left-handed in the nets as well as spinners.
“I was more thinking it was something for the future but the fact that the opportunity came during the game to use it and I was able to pull it off was pretty cool.”
Phillips explained the tactical reasoning behind developing the skill.
“Around 20 years old, I thought it was a great opportunity to be able to play left-arm spin bowling, considering every team has a left-arm orthodox.
“These days I train batting left handed for two reasons. One to keep both hands and both sides of the brain working, but also to be able to counteract left arm-spin.
Phillips said the the unconventional approach required more than just technical skills.
When asked about the moment before executing the switch, he admitted an element of bravery was also needed.
“It’s about trusting the training and understanding that I’ve done the preparation leading into it, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t work,” he said.
“I’ve then just got to watch the ball as much as possible”
With Phillips and the BLACKCAPS about to embark on a full white-ball tour of India this January followed by the T20 World Cup, Phillips’ ambidextrous talents may come to the fore on the biggest stage.
The BLACKCAPS play India in the three ODIs and five T20Is this January with the first game starting in Vadodara on Sunday January 11.
