Jim Phillips

Who was Jim Phillips?

James Phillips was a Victorian first-class cricketer and Test match umpire.

He did not play his first first-class match until 1885/86, and altogether played 124 matches for Canterbury, Middlesex and Victoria between 1885/86 and 1898/99 as a right-hand batsman and right-arm medium bowler. He scored 1827 runs at an average of 12.59 with a highest score of 110 not out, and took 355 wickets at an average of 20.00 with best figures of 8 for 69. Seven times he took 10 or more wickets in a match. He also took 50 catches. As a player and umpire he travelled between Australia and England, following the cricket seasons. Middlesex valued his contribution so highly that he was given a benefit match, Australia v. Middlesex, in 1899. He was also able to help Australian players, such as Albert Trott find jobs and play cricket in England. For a while he coached in Christchurch, New Zealand and played first-class cricket for Canterbury.

Phillips umpired a total of 29 Test matches. His first match was between Australia and England in Melbourne on 21 March 1885 to 25 March 1885, comfortably won by England by an innings and 98 runs. His colleague was George Hodges, standing in his only Test match.