New Zealand’s all-rounder Glenn Phillips showcased incredible athleticism on Day 2 of the first Test against England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. With his team under pressure, Phillips pulled off a jaw-dropping one-handed catch to dismiss Ollie Pope, breaking a massive 151-run partnership between Pope and Harry Brook.
The Match Situation of NZ vs ENG 1st Test
England was recovering from an early collapse, thanks to a resilient partnership between Ollie Pope and Harry Brook. With New Zealand desperate for a breakthrough, skipper Tim Southee made a bowling change, which brought Phillips’ brilliance into the spotlight.
| Details of the Partnership | Stats |
|---|---|
| Partnership Runs | 151 |
| Batters | Harry Brook, Ollie Pope |
| Dismissed Batter | Ollie Pope (77 off 98 balls) |
The Superman Moment: Phillips’ Catch
- Bowler: Tim Southee
- Delivery: A wide ball at 125.9 kph
- Shot Played: Pope attempted a cut shot but hit it in the air.
- Phillips’ Action:
- Positioned at gully, Phillips dived to his right.
- Fully stretched and horizontal, he plucked the ball out of thin air with one hand.
🚨 GLENN PHILLIPS STUNNER. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 29, 2024
– HE IS UNBELIEVABLE FIELDER…!!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0O41X8JgP7
This acrobatic effort not only dismissed Pope but also lifted the morale of the New Zealand team.
Read Also:- Upcoming England Cricket Matches 2024-25
England’s Performance So Far
Despite the setback, Harry Brook reached his 7th Test century, remaining unbeaten at 132*. Captain Ben Stokes joined him at the crease, steadying the innings further.
| England’s Day 2 Summary | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Runs at Stumps | 319/5 |
| Lead | Trailing by 29 runs |
| Key Batters | Harry Brook (132*), Ben Stokes (37*) |
New Zealand’s Bowling Efforts
New Zealand debutant Nathan Smith earlier shone by removing Joe Root for a four-ball duck and Jacob Bethell for 10. Glenn Phillips’ stunning fielding capped an eventful day for the hosts.
See Also:- Upcoming New Zealand Cricket Matches 2024-25
Key Highlights
- Phillips’ one-handed “Superman” catch was a game-changer.
- England’s Brook-Pope partnership showed resilience but ended in dramatic fashion.
- New Zealand’s fielding woes, including multiple dropped catches, overshadowed their efforts.
Day 3 will be crucial as England looks to take the lead, while New Zealand aims to capitalize on the momentum provided by Phillips’ brilliance.
This catch will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest moments of the series. Keep following the action for more updates from the NZ vs ENG 1st Test.
