New Zealand v Australia: Josh Philippe handed debut in opening T20 match

Nathan Williamson

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New Zealand v Australia: Josh Philippe handed debut in opening T20 match image

Sydney Sixers wicket-keeper Josh Philippe has been handed his maiden T20 International cap, selected for Australia's first match against New Zealand at Hagley Oval.

Philippe was named BBL 10 Player of the Tournament, finishing with 499 runs and 16 dismissals in the regular-season as the Sixers finished top of the table, eventually winning the tournament.

He was handed his cap by state captain Mitchell Marsh, becoming the 96th player to play T20 cricket for Australia.

With Australian captain Aaron Finch opting to bowl first, Philippe will have to bide his time, selected at three behind Finch and wicket-keeper Matthew Wade.

"Josh Philippe is making his debut today which is fantastic for him," Finch said at the toss.

"He's been in great form over the past two years in the shorter-format and we're really excited for him. 

"It's a great opportunity for young guys who are going to get their opportunity throughout the tour."


Despite missing their Test stars, the middle-order is bolsterd by Stars duo Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis as well as Marsh.

Scorchers' Ashton Agar has been selected to bat at eight despite missing the BBL tournament with injury.

Newest IPL millionaire Jhye Richardson caps off a perfect seven day period with a recall to the side, with Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa rounding out the bowling line-up.


Richardson was signed for $2.48 million by Punjab Kings at the IPL auction last Wednesday, with fellow quick and IPL teammate Riley Meredith missing out on selection, despite going for A$1.42 million.

It’s an amazing result, it’s life-changing to be honest.," Richardson said on the deal.

"It’s so fresh that I haven’t had time to process it. At the moment, it’s getting through the day and watching my phone blow up with a lot of messages. I had a lot of support from everyone so that’s what I’m doing at the moment.

"We were trying to work out what people were going for. It can be a bit confusing but we got there in the end.

As for New Zealand, captain Kane Williamson named a near-full strength line-up, with opening batsmen Martin Guptill passing a late fitness test after suffering a hamstring injury in New Zealand's domestic T20 competition.

NEW ZEALAND V AUSTRALIA TEAMS LIST

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Matthew Wade (wk), Josh Philippe, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh, Daniel Sams, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa 

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Glenn Philipps, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

 

 

Nathan Williamson