A cricketer’s journey from his home to playing at the highest level is never easy. To represent their country at International arena they have to fight against all odds and the same has been the case with Australia’s talented wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe who has performed superbly so far in the ongoing season of Big Bash League 2020-21.
Philippe recently reacted on his journey and described all odds that he needs to face in order to play cricket at the biggest level.
He added that his financial condition was so poor that he couldn’t afford to have lunch when he saw that his domestic dreams are shattering he moved to UK and started playing for New Castle Cricket Club in 2017 and it was not easy for him to survive there but his determination kept him going where he amassed 13,000 runs for the club at an average nearing 60.
“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,” said Philippe while talking to cricket.com.au.
The 23 year old talented wicketkeeper-batsman added that when he had clarity in his mind that he had to survive against all odds he became fearless and even today if he gets out he is not bothered about others reaction.
“Just going away and not being a part of any system and just working my game out for myself. That’s where I think I got that fearless approach that I play with now. Over there, it was almost like the result doesn’t matter. I’m just going to go out, play my brand of cricket, and have fun and if I get out, I get out – who cares? No one is going to judge you as a bloke based on your cricket performances. I just happened to do well over there, and I feel like that mentality just stuck with me,” he added.
His hard work has paid off as he is finally selected in Men in Yellow T20 squad to play against New Zealand next month.
