Phillips has a reputation in the New Zealand team as a player who can make things happen in all three formats: a hard-hitting middle-order batsman, an athletic fielder and now as a serious bowling option. He had taken only 11 wickets in his five previous tests with a best of 4-53.
When Green became his fifth victim, brilliantly caught by Will Young under the helmet at short leg, Phillips set off on a long, jubilant run around the Basin Reserve, finally ending the Henry’s arms.
“I’ve got a six-year-old daughter and any celebration a six-year-old girl would do, that’s probably me,” Phillips said. “I’ve never really thought what to do if I got a five-for but the emotion, the way the crowd went up. It was just an unbelievable moment.”
Phillips acknowledged New Zealand’s chance of winning the test is slight but happy to able to give his team a chance.
“I understand we’ve got to combat the situations that are out there,” he said. “Obviously there’s a bit of turn so it’s a matter of how we go about combating (Nathan) Lyon. The way their big fast bowlers bowl as well is going to be a challenge.
“I definitely think we’ve got the time on our hands to be able to pull this off.”
Australia resumed Saturday at 13-2 after losing Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne late on the second day. Nathan Lyon was once again a useful nightwatchman and he made 41 before he fell in the first session and Khawaja also was out stumped before lunch.
