"The tension had built up" - Glenn Phillips on his wild celebrations after dismissing Virat Kohli in IND vs NZ 2024 1st Test
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has opened up on his exuberant celebrations after dismissing Virat Kohli on day three of the opening Test against India in Bengaluru. The spin-bowling all-rounder stated that it was a massive moment in the contest, given India had pushed the Kiwis on the backfoot following a big partnership.
With Kohli going strong, Phillips induced an edge from the former Indian captain on the final ball of day three, which was safely gathered by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. The 35-year-old took the DRS, but it went against him and he eventually had to walk back for 70.
In an interview with New Zealand Cricket, the 27-year-old referred to Kohli as among the biggest wickets in Test cricket. He added that it was good to get the momentum heading into day four.
"Yeah, he is probably one of the biggest wickets in Test cricket going around at the moment. To be able, to produce something special on the last ball of the day, was quite incredible. They put on a big partnership and put us on the backfoot. But to contribute in that way, on the last ball of the day, the tension had built up. They had been playing really well upto that point, took a little bit of momentum for us going into the next day."
It was also the only wicket picked up by Phillips in the match, who didn't bowl in the first innings and recorded figures of 15-2-69-1 in the second.
"A lot of New Zealand sides have come and tried" - Glenn Phillips on their drought-breaking win
Phillips also stated that he was quite proud to see the way the tourists fought hard for the win. He said:
"It is absolutely phenomenal. A lot of New Zealand sides have come and tried, and unfortunately they have not been on the winning end of it but for us to come and perform like this, and produce a win for the first time in 36 years, it's pretty special."
The second Test between India and New Zealand begins on October 24 in Pune.