From boy to king, the coming of age of Kane Williamson
Hamilton was preparing for their local boy Kane Williamson’s debut in March 2010 when New Zealand hosted Australia. But the hosts didn’t give the 19-year-old a break after a green pitch was laid out at the Seddon Park. Williamson had to wait for eight more months before making his Test debut.
That happened in Ahemdabad when New Zealand travelled to India that November. The stage was set for him. Batting first, India had posted 487. In reply, New Zealand were 137 for 4 when Williamson joined Jesse Ryder in the middle. For the next 67 overs that they were together, Ryder and Williamson stitched a chanceless partnership. The 194-run stand was broken when Ryder was dismissed by S Sreesanth.
Williamson batted for 27 more overs. In the meantime, he became the youngest New Zealand player to score a century on Test debut. From a baby-faced prodigy, Williamson has now become the ‘King’. After his grand arrival at the international stage five years ago, Williamson has scored 12 more centuries, including a double in 2015, in the 45 Tests he has played since his debut.
His Test numbers reveal how good a cricketer he is for New Zealand. Averaging almost 50, Williamson has scored 3,895 runs with 13 tons and 18 fifties. In 2015 only, he has numbers that every batsman in the world would like to have.
He has five hundreds which puts him equal to Steve Smith — the New Zealander has played six less innings: 16 from 8 matches compared to 22 from 12 matches Smith has played. He also broke Brendon McCullum’s record for most runs in a calendar year for a New Zealander when he scored his 100th run in the second innings against Sri Lanka on Monday. While England captain Alastair Cook has the highest runs this year (1,357), Williamson is fifth at 1,172 which he has scored at an average of more than 90, highest for any batsman this year.
It’s not just the numbers that make him a great player for the future. Williamson has leadership skills and a mind for the game. Be it the calmness he needed to hit the six on the last ball six against Australia in the World Cup to win it for New Zealand or the patience he showed to score a century against Pakistan in Sharjah.
In the Test against Sri Lanka in Hamilton, while every other 21 players struggled against the short-pitched ball, Williamson batted with ease. His 108 not out gave New Zealand a series win. Not after Glenn Turner did any New Zealand batsmen achieved the number ranking in Tests. Williamson, with that feat, received an early Christmas gift.
There was more in store for the youngster. With Brendon McCullum retiring from international cricket, Williamson is set to lead the Black Caps in the ICC World T20 in India next year. The ‘King’ would now wear the captain’s hat.
