Injury dogged Tim Phillips' early career with Essex, particularly the cruciate ligament problem that put paid to his entire 2003 season. He had another two years to wait for another first-team performance, but he finally got one in 2005 (his first since 2002). That same year he was named the Second XI Player of the Year for all counties and gained a two-year contract extension as a result. He has gone from strength to strength in 2006 and has become a regular first-team member. Phillips gives his balls a bit of air, more so than most English spinners and is one of Essex's leading wicket-takers so far in the 2006 season. He tends to deceive batsmen in the flight: many of his wickets are stumped or bowled and his strong action has been built on the excellent tutelage of John Childs, a fellow left-arm slow bowler, who now coaches at Essex. Batting-wise, Phillips is a natural ball player with immense hand-eye co-ordination and provides a useful option lower down the order. Born in Cambridge, Phillips studied at Durham and started his first-class career, way back in 1999. But finally, seven years on, he will believe that he can stamp his mark on the game. And not before time.
Jenny Thompson July 2006

NBC Denis Compton Award 1999

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Aug 30, 2006 Tim Phillips in action against Worcestershire © Getty Images

Aug 19, 2005 Tim Phillips, player portrait © Getty Images

Apr 28, 2001 Timothy Phillips ; thumbnail portrait © Cricinfo Ltd

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