Glenn Phillips Steps Up for New Zealand in Neil Wagner's Abs

Published May 29, 2026 · Updated August 03, 2026

Discover how Glenn Phillips is filling the void left by Neil Wagner in New Zealand's bowling attack, bringing energy and wickets. Read more for match insights.

In 16 years, Glenn Phillips became the first spinner from New Zealand to take five wickets in a Test match at home on Saturday. In the first Test match between the Black Caps and Australia at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, Phillips achieved the feat.

The last Kiwi spinner to accomplish the feat was Jeetan Patel, a right-arm off-spinner who claimed five wickets against Chris Gayle's West Indies at McLean Park in Napier back in 2008.

Phillips concluded the current Test on Day 2 with the final scores of 16-4-45-5. Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey were among the wickets claimed by the off-break bowler as New Zealand knocked Australia out for 164 in their second innings.

After taking two four-wicket hauls earlier, the 27-year-old Phillips also amassed his best bowling numbers in first-class cricket.

Glenn Phillips becomes the first New Zealand spinner since 2008 to take a five-wicket haul in Tests at home 🌟#WTC25 | #NZvAUS 📝: https://t.co/ZR2nZf4LSN pic.twitter.com/Hdd08aqQby

— ICC (@ICC) March 2, 2024

During the Bangladesh trip in November and December of last year, Phillips displayed his skill with the ball in Test cricket. With eight wickets from two matches, including a four-wicket haul, he ended third in the series' top wicket-taker.

Read More: Cameron Green’s Century Lifts Australia as New Zealand’s Quick Bowlers Shine in First Test Day One

When New Zealand qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup on Indian soil, Phillips showed great skill with the ball as well. During the massive tournament, Phillips recorded 10-0-37-3 stats at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala during a match versus Australia.

Best bowling stats at home by a spinner from New Zealand

• Daniel Vettori: 35-11-87-7 against Australia in Auckland (March 2000)
• Daniel Vettori: 42.3-6-130-7 against Sri Lanka in Wellington (December 2006)
• John Bracewell: 22-8-32-6 against Australia in Auckland (March 1986)
• Daniel Vettori: 25-7-56-6 against West Indies in Dunedin (December 2008)
• John Bracewell: 34.2-11-85-6 against Australia in Wellington (March 1990)
• Alex Moir: 56.3-16-155-6 against England in Christchurch (March 1951)
• Glenn Phillips: 16-4-45-5 against Australia in Wellington (February 2024)

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