They have the same baby-faced looks, they sound alike and their batting styles are uncannily similar - right down to the nervous shuffle across the crease.

And he revealed that he has come under the mentorship of the deposed Australian skipper after arriving at the Sydney Sixers for this summer's Big Bash League.

Philippe announced himself with a 49-ball 86 during the Sixers' nine-wicket win over heavyweights Hobart on Wednesday.

And in the days leading up to his breakout performance, Philippe had dinner with the superstar batsman and spent an evening picking his brains.

"He's thrown me balls, he can't now with his arm (after shoulder surgery), he looks like Robocop at the moment," Philippe said.

"He's been in touch with me quite a bit and he's been a big help.

"He's always really supportive, he messages me when I do well and always sees how I'm going."

Philippe was a late call-up to the Sixers and had intended to spend the summer at home in Western Australia, having been offered a spot in the Perth Scorchers' extended squad as a local replacement player.

However, when the Sixers came knocking offering a place in their starting XI as their first-choice wicketkeeper and a chance to train alongside Smith at NSW Cricket headquarters, he couldn't pass it up.

"I wouldn't say I modelled (his batting technique on Smith) but I do really like the way he plays and moves around the crease, he can hit the same ball in a lot of different areas," Philippe said.

"I do try to do that as well in little bit of a different way."

The 21-year-old was a fixture of Western Australia's One Day Cup campaign and hit his maiden Sheffield Shield century against Victoria in October.

He spent the opening nine games in the Sixers' middle order but has excelled since being bumped up into the opening spot over their last two outings.

Importantly, he now shapes as the answer to their top-order woes having used Jack Edwards, Joe Denly, Justin Avendano as openers this season.

"I love batting up the top, I love going out there with only two on the rope and a new ball that comes off the bat nice and hard," Philippe said.

"I do feel I'm more effective at the top."

Australian Associated Press