Aaron Finch Confirms Josh Philippe Will Debut In T20I Series Against New Zealand

Australia’s limited-overs captain Aaron Finch has confirmed that the youngster Josh Philippe will debut in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Josh Philippe finished as the man of the tournament in the recently concluded Big Bash League due to his heroics with the bat which paved the way for his team Sydney Sixers to win the tournament.

Josh Philippe amassed 508 runs in the tournament at an average of nearly 32 and a strike rate of just under 150. Phillipe was bought in the IPL last year by the RCB franchise and sharing a dressing room with the likes of Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers should have improved his game to another extent. Due to his exemplary performances, he earned a spot in the Australian T20 squad and will debut in the series as confirmed by his captain.

Finch Reveals the Batting Order

Finch confirmed that he, Matthew Wade, and Philippe will be Australia’s top three in the upcoming series. He also confirmed that all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell will form the middle-order and added that there could be some flexibility in the top order. Finch also hailed Mathew Wade’s and Glenn Maxwell’s dynamic ability which would serve the team a lot.

“The top three will be (Matthew) Wade, Philippe and myself. Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) and Stoin (Marcus Stoinis), four and five, around that area. It’s pretty simple I’d imagine. When you look at the squad list, Josh Philippe has been in great nick and it’s great to see him playing well.

“Matty Wade, we know how dynamic he is along with Maxi. We’re going to be flexible with that top order as well. If that means Wadey or myself or Josh, whoever bats at three, it’ll be a great opportunity,” Aaron Finch told reporters.

Josh Philippe Has Taken His Game To A New level States Aaron Finch

Finch stated that Philippe has taken his game to a new level and he is able to get through his innings even when he is not hitting it well. He added that Philippe has been having a big impact on the game when he is in form and striking well.

“He’s taken his game to a new level because he’s just getting past that period when he’s not hitting them well. When he’s playing well it’s lights out, it’s brilliant. But just those days when he’s not feeling 100 per cent, he’s getting through that little danger period and still having a big impact on the game which I think is so important in T20 cricket,” added Aaron Finch.