Relatively short in stature, Phillips was a gritty, persistent customer at the batting crease in contrast to some of the more expansive players emerging who would ultimately succeed him in the Australian team.
Following a successful season for South Melbourne Cricket Club in 1987/88 in which he won the Ryder Medal and some strong form for the Victorian 2nd XI, Phillips made his first class debut for Victoria against the touring West Indians.
Batting at number four he showed his prowess against a strong pace bowling attack comprising Patrick Patterson, Ian Bishop and Winston Benjamin to score 111.
Set 239 to win a tense, low scoring encounter against New South Wales, Phillips, opening the batting saw two quick wickets fall but in one of his finest innings combined with Jamie Siddons to take Victoria to the title without further loss.
[2] Such a fine knock under pressure combined with an early season century against South Australia in 1991/92 saw Phillips selected for an Australian XI side to play a first-class match against the touring West Indians.