FORMER Australian Test batsman and wicket-keeper Wayne Phillips has been announced as the Willowfest Ambassador for 2013.
Phillips played 27 Tests for Australia from 1983 to 1986, as well as 48 one-day internationals.
The 55-year-old made two Test centuries at an average of 32, including a high score of 159 against Pakistan on debut in Perth.
He finished his Test career with 52 catches.
Phillips said he was looking forward to reacquainting himself with Mildura after travelling to the region with the Redbacks during his coaching days.
“There’s a spirit of the game associated with Willowfest that is entirely suited to me,” Phillips said.
“The people involved in cricket and Willowfest up there are in it for the right reasons.”
Phillips, whose first-class career spanned for 13 years from 1978 to 1991, will also attend the presentation dinner at the end of the carnival.
“When I was coach at the Redbacks, we got looked after when we went up to Mildura obviously through the strong links of Jamie Siddons and Mark Cleary,” he said.
“There are some really good facilities over your way and some quality people.
“I’m sure there’ll be some good stories getting around and some hard luck stories at the end of the carnival.”
Willowfest president Anthony Telfer said Phillip’s ambassadorship was a major coup for the carnival.
“We have attempted on two previous occasions to secure Wayne Phillips as our ambassador since he came to Mildura with the Redbacks in 1998,” Telfer said.
“‘Flipper’ is a very funny man and has some great stories to tell and I’m sure he will keep the Willowfest players entertained over the two days he will be here.
Further information can be found at: www.willowfest.com.au.
Contact Toby Prime 0432 942 208 or Anthony Telfer 0419 359 618 for further Information
