Many cricketers find test cricket to be physically taxing, but for New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson, the “romance” that the format engenders is unparalleled.
The former skipper of the Black Caps recently scored his 27th century in the format, inspiring his side to an exciting win against Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series at home.
Williamson said that other forms cannot capture the “romance” of red-ball cricket after the game-winning blow. Williamson said that the appeal of test cricket lay in the five-day match’s potential for difficulty and need for a clear plan of attack to prevail.
Williamson now holds the record for the most Test hundreds by a New Zealand hitter, according to his individual accomplishments. He also has the most runs scored for the Black Caps in the format.
The 32-year-old didn’t seem to care about his own accomplishments, however, as he stated, “Test centuries are undoubtedly unique, but you don’t sit in the dressing room afterwards and worry about yourself. You reflect on the five days and the contributions made during that time. It need to be accepted together.
Kane Williamson referred to test cricket as “the summit,” saying that the format was what “got him enthusiastic about the game and helped him progress.”
The top-order batsman stated, “Test cricket is unique, there is a romance to it and there is a camaraderie in working extremely hard for a long time and ending up in some of the circumstances that we’ve found ourselves in.” This was in reference to the thrilling victory against Sri Lanka. It is impossible to reproduce in the other forms.
Williamson, one of the most talented batsmen of his time, has played for New Zealand in 93 tests to date and has amassed 7909 runs at a remarkable batting average of 53.80.
Williamson said that he is not currently considering hanging up his boots, adding that “I like it and love being a part of the squad, I’m not that old, and I embrace the challenges that come with international cricket.”
With the help of Williamson’s unbroken 121-run innings, New Zealand defeated India by two wickets in the first Test, setting up a return to the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
If Sri Lanka had defeated the Kiwis in both Test matches, they would have qualified for the championship match against Australia. On March 17, in Wellington, the second Test between these two is scheduled to start.