A big and emotional moment came at the Kennington Oval in London during the ongoing second Test between the England National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team on June 17, when Glenn Phillips finally reached his maiden Test century.
Coming into this Test after twin setbacks, as New Zealand already suffered a crushing 115-run defeat in the first Test against England at Lord’s and then Kane Williamson’s retirement, the touring side made a stunning comeback at the Kennington Oval. Amid the Test series, ECB seeks interrogation over Ben Stokes-Gus Atkinson nighclub inccident.
Glenn Phillips hits maiden Test ton despite Jofra Archer’s fiery short balls
Despite the poor starts, New Zealand managed to post 391 runs on the board, and its major credit goes to Glenn Phillips. He stitched two 80+ run partnerships with Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell to take the Kiwis to an imposing total against England in the ongoing second Test.
Phillips was eventually paid off for his hard work at the Kennington Oval on Day 2. Jofra Archer bowled a back-of-a-length delivery, and Phillips just guided it softly into the off-side for a single, and with that run, the New Zealander completed his well-deserved hundred in Test cricket.
After reaching the milestone, Phillips took off his helmet and celebrated with a smile. It was a special feeling for him not only because this was his maiden Test hundred but also because of how he survived the deadly bouncers from Archer during the ongoing second Test at the Kennington Oval.
Phillips was forced to sport sunglasses to face a fierce spell from Jofra Archer. The New Zealand all-rounder was hit on his head and shoulder many times before reaching the special milestone and took his team to a strong position against England in the ongoing second Test. His crucial knock earned respect and admiration from the fans on social media.
Here's how fans react to Glenn Phillips' important knock:
Glenn Phillips brings up the CENTURY!
— Rehan 56 (@imrehan456) June 18, 2026
Unbelievable batting from the big man!
This knock is pure fire! pic.twitter.com/EIZWYsUlXO
A STANDING OVATION FOR GLENN PHILLIPS - The main man in all formats for Kiwis 😍❤️ pic.twitter.com/soKXw3nT6V
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 18, 2026
Some bravery this from Glenn Phillips, batting with shades on while facing Jofra Archer...
— Khanyiso Tshwaku (@kaymorizm) June 17, 2026
I want to be like him when I'm grown up! pic.twitter.com/YaqF7YPrBD
FIRST TEST HUNDRED FOR GLENN PHILLIPS. 🇳🇿
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) June 18, 2026
- Outstanding knock from Phillips.🙌 pic.twitter.com/zKKMrRQeeK
Well played, Glenn Phillips 👏
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) June 18, 2026
A first Test hundred, acknowledged by a standing ovation at The Oval 🇳🇿🤝#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/4viMj9kNlq
THE MOMENT GLENN PHILLIPS COMPLETED HIS MAIDEN HUNDRED.🥹#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/lXGboJ4IF2
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) June 18, 2026
Great knock from Glenn Phillips. I was chatting shite about him earlier on in the IPL but fuck me that was some knock @glenndominic159
— EH Chelsea (@CFC_EH) June 18, 2026
Fantastic knock by Glenn Phillips!!! First test century for him I hear.
— christian (@elgrandomi) June 18, 2026
NZ done well to push first innings total to near 400 after being 291/7 after Day 1.
Bro, today Glenn Phillips finally contributed with the bat as well, not just in the field; by the way, congratulations on his maiden Test century—his aura is on another level.🧐 @mufaddal_vohra #trending
— The_Backbench_Umpire (@RiseShivam85) June 18, 2026
• Collapse? call Phillips.
— Umar Rao (@umar_says_) June 18, 2026
• Fightback needed? call Phillips.
• Need a counterattack? call Phillips.
• Tests? call Phillips.
• ODI? call Phillips.
• T20? call Phillips.
The answer is always Glenn Dominic Phillips🔥 pic.twitter.com/vuZdCZdu9C
talk about absolute nerves of steel..glenn phillips is a different breed of cricketer🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/dkG43cPhYa
— Afrida☄️ (@afreedakw) June 18, 2026
STANDING OVATION FOR GLENN PHILLIPS 👏🔥
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) June 18, 2026
- The man for every format, every condition, every crisis 🇳🇿💯
- Always stepping up when New Zealand need him most.
- GLENN PHILLIPS — the real all-format match-winner for the Kiwis 🫡❤️#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/HGAVd4WOIt
Glenn Phillips notches his first Test century and becomes the third New Zealander to score a hundred in all three formats 👏
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 18, 2026
A remarkable innings from a special player.#ENGvNZ | 📸 @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/Bt0ge3RrPO
Stood tall, absorbed the pressure, and earned his maiden Test hundred 🙂↔️
— Oveya (@oveya_7) June 18, 2026
I have witnessed something very special in The Oval 🖤🔥🥶
Glenn Dominic Phillips 🫡#Blackcaps#ENGVSNZ#Glennphillips pic.twitter.com/vV6yz1voPi
Glenn Phillips’ gritty century ends in disappointment
However, after reaching the milestone, Glenn Phillips lost his wicket while playing an aggressive shot. Matthew Fisher bowled a short and fast delivery, and Phillips went for a pull shot. But he could not time it properly and ended up hitting the ball straight to deep mid-wicket, where Emilio Gay took a brilliant catch.
Phillips walked back to the pavilion after scoring 100 runs off 135 balls, hitting 18 fours during his remarkable knock against England. As he made his way out of the ground, the New Zealand dressing room stood up and gave him a warm standing ovation for his solid and determined knock.