Big Bash: Josh Philippe signs new three-year deal with Sydney Sixers
Emerging T20 star Josh Philippe has re-signed with the Sydney Sixers for another three seasons. A dead ringer for Steve Smith, the 21-year-old Philippe has been tipped as a future international.
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Emerging T20 star Josh Philippe has re-signed with the Sydney Sixers for another three seasons.
A dead ringer for Steve Smith, the 21-year-old Philippe announced his arrival as one of the hottest young prospects in Big Bash when he belted a franchise 86 not out off just 49 balls against the Hobart Hurricanes last season.
He also amassed 304 runs at 30.4 as well as taking the wicketkeeping duties but it was his eye-popping innings against the Hurricanes that got everyone talking and convinced the Sixers to make him a priority re-signing after he initially came over on a one-year deal.
Philippe plays his Sheffield Shield and 50-over cricket for Western Australia but was lured East on the promise that he could also wear the gloves behind the stumps and that played a big role in getting him to commit to another three years.
“I really enjoyed the support and opportunities I was given,” he said. “I can’t wait to get going next season and push to play finals cricket.”
Plenty of good judges have tipped Philippe as a future international including former national selector Mark Waugh and ex England skipper Michael Vaughan.
Not only does he have the same baby face looks as Smith but he fidgets exactly like him and belts the cover of the ball the same way and Sydney Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd has become a big fan.
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“He fitted into the Sixers environment seamlessly and displayed skills that set him as a player of the future,” Shipperd said.
“He possesses the style of play that will flourish at international level. This is a significant signing.”