Josh Philippe credits stint with RCB for the recent success

The Big Bash League has seen various youngsters come into prominence. The latest on the list is Western Australia-origin Josh Philippe. The youngster has time and again shown that he has the goods to represent Australia for a long period of time. He is currently the second-highest run-getter of the competition, accumulating 499 runs in 15 matches. 

Josh, on Thursday, addressed the virtual press conference after receiving the BBL10 Player of the Tournament award. The wicket-keeper batsman, who represented Royal Challengers Bangalore last season, credited his IPL stint for his recent success. He opined that playing alongside the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers helped him fine-tune technical abilities. 

"Some of the technical stuff I've really tried to iron out the creases over the pre-season. Getting the opportunity to be over at the IPL, being around guys like AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, guys like that, see how they go about their business and for me seeing how simple they take the game." 

As far as the domestic career is concerned, It didn't begin all that well for him. In order to understand, it is important to delve into a short story. At the age of 20, Josh went to the United Kingdom to represent Newcastle Cricket Club. He took the decision realising that his domestic dreams were shrinking with time. After reaching, it became tough for him to meet financial demands. In a recent interview with cricket.com.au, the youngster revealed that he could hardly afford to eat lunch. He let the bat do the talking, scoring 1300 runs at a staggering average of 60. Recalling the occurrences, Josh Philippe believes that the struggle in the UK has made him a person or a player he is today. 

"I wasn't part of any WA squad then and I almost felt like the dream of playing state cricket was slipping away. It is quite amazing to think back to then – I had 20 pounds in my wallet … I could hardly afford to eat lunch. It definitely made me the player I am today." - he explained. 

Having showcased his batting prowess in the white-ball circuit, the 23-year-old is keen to establish himself as an all-format player. The youngster sees the Sheffield Shield tournament as the stepping stone to realise his dreams of donning the Baggy Green cap. "The dream as a kid has always been to get a Baggy Green. I definitely want to try and establish myself at first-class level." - Josh added. 

[Cricket Australia input]