Phillip’s first day for Lancashire a tough toil

LANCASHIRE, England (CMC):

WEST INDIES pacer Anderson Phillip’s is already making his mark at Lancashire where he signed for the remaining three matches of the Vitality County Championship in England.

The 28-year-old Trinidadian fast bowler, who had been signed as an overseas player, went straight into the squad to face Durham at Chester-le-Street on Monday.

“We are really pleased to bolster our pace attack with the addition of Anderson for our remaining matches in this summer’s Vitality County Championship,” said Lancashire director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton.

“Adding further pace to our bowling attack for the final matches of the red-ball season has been a key aim for myself and it’s great to be able to welcome Anderson into the group.

“We are looking forward to seeing what he can bring to our side starting tomorrow up in Durham as we aim for a strong end to the season,” he added.

Chilton saw what Phillip could add right away, the pacer removing openers Alex Lees (43) and Ben McKinney, for a duck, to end his first day as a County Championship bowler with figures of 2-86 from 17 overs.

The pacer did not have it all his way though, thanks to centuries from Colin Ackermann, 111, and David Bedingham, 177.

Phillip, who had been playing for Florida-based side Miami Lions, has made two Test and five One-Day International appearances for the West Indies.

In 33 first-class matches, he has taken 114 wickets at an average of 23.

During the 2023-24 West Indies First-Class Championship, Phillip took 29 wickets in seven matches at an average of 18 for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.