This is the first time for all-rounder Glenn Phillips that he was included in the New Zealand national team to play Test matches in Bangladesh.
However, the off-break bowler is experienced with playing in the Bangladesh condition, as he played in the Under-19 World Cup in 2016 in Bangladesh.
The first Test off two-match series will take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from November 28. Phillips was happy to see the green wickets of Sylhet Stadium before the first Test. Though the newly included Kiwis bowler was a bit concerned whether the character of the wickets would be changed later on.
Phillips said, “This is second time I am here in Bangladesh, first time I came to play the U-19 World Cup in 2016, it looks almost same, as I saw last time. But the wicket looked more green than the that of 2016. But there are four more days left to start the match. A lot of things can be changed. We are all ready to play the first match.”
ICC Test Championship is going to underway with the series between Bangladesh and New Zealand. Phillips is highly excited about the series against the Tigers.
Thinking the ICC Test Championship as an exciting competition, said. “It’s great to start a fresh every time.”
New Zealand all-rounder Phillips believes that it won't be a problem for them to switch to Tests from ODIs, as they remain their strength irrespective of formats. New Zealand, who arrived Sylhet on Wednesday, started their preparations at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) from Thursday.
“Winning a match is important and it is more important to win outside the country to bring the momentum to home,” added the all-rounder. "At the end of the day, a lot of the boys are really process-driven. Whether it's Test cricket or other, the process remains the same," Phillips said following their practice session at SICS on Thursday.
"When you go to the field, it's just a game with either a white or red ball. For us, it's to go in the middle and follow our process the way we are [doing] now," he said, adding that a couple of days break before coming to Bangladesh helped them a lot.
"It's really great to get out there. The pitch is a little greener than what we thought it was gonna be. It was good practice all round. Boys are going to bowl and boys are going to bat. So happy with that," said Phillips, who is making his first trip to Bangladesh with the senior team.
"It was good for the guys to be in Dubai for a couple of days. It refreshed us and some of us went home to see the families. It was really good I think before a Test series, especially after the World Cup to have this sort of break and come out here refreshed," he said.
