Shane Warne wants Sydney Sixers young gun Josh Philippe in Australia’s World Cup squad
Sydney Sixers young gun Josh Philippe blasted the Melbourne Renegades attack all over Marvel Stadium in the Big Bash semi final. Now Shane Warne wants him on the plane with Australia’s World Cup squad.
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Josh Philippe will be blowing out 22 birthday candles when Australia opens its World Cup campaign against Afghanistan.
Shane Warne wants Philippe to be celebrating in England as a member of Australia’s 15-man squad.
And the West Australian’s case grew last night, although selection for Australia in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup at home appears more realistic.
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Imagine Philippe, baby Bash Brother Max Bryant and D’Arcy Short in the opening mix as Australia targets a maiden T20 title?
On a Marvel Stadium pitch which has troubled every visitor this summer you would’ve forgiven Philippe for chewing up some deliveries to check the pace.
Nope. Philippe went whackity whack whack — immediately putting Renegades bowlers on the back foot.
Paceman Kane Richardson is this season’s No.1 wicket-taker and legspinner Cameron Boyce is the BBL’s fourth-most economical.
Well, Philippe smashed five boundaries off Richardson’s first seven balls and 12 runs off Boyce’s first four deliveries.
Immediately a 21-year-old had made a mess of the Gades’ best two bowlers, piling the pressure on his more experienced opposition.
Philippe’s foot work shone brightest as he danced to deliveries as if he was wearing Michael Jackson’s shoes.
The emerging star and athletic keeper posted a 29-ball half-century before holing out for 52 (31).
But on the back of his sweet striking and fearless approach the Sydney Sixers waltzed to their first wicket-less powerplay for the season.
They were 0/58 after six overs and Philippe crunched as many boundaries as minor premier Hobart Hurricanes did on Thursday night.
The crowd was asleep and so were the Renegades as the Sixers started in keeping with their name, bombing the boundary.
Warne wants Philippe on the plane to England as a back-up keeper for Alex Carey, although Pete Handscomb’s hands are also in the air to wear the gloves.
Last night’s knock continued a golden summer for the golden-haired boy.
Philippe struck his maiden first-class century against Victoria in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield and also scored an unbeaten 86 (49) against the Hurricanes, meaning he has now taken down the attacks of the top two BBL seeds.
Philippe rejected Perth Scorchers’ promise that he would play as a replacement player to sign with the Sixers after a phone call from Steve Smith.
It might have cost him selection for Western Australia in the last Shield game but it looks like the right move.
As for the World Cup in England?
“It’s still far away. You never know what can happen,” Philippe said last night.
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