The New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson continues to assert his dominance in Test cricket, especially on the home soil. The New Zealand batting maestro reached another milestone with a brilliant 156 against England at Seddon Park, Hamilton, bringing up his 33rd Test century. This achievement adds another chapter to his illustrious career, marking the first century in the inaugural Crowe-Thorpe Trophy held in New Zealand this month.
With this century, Kane Williamson became the third fastest cricketer in history to achieve 33 Test centuries, accomplishing the feat in just 186 innings. He surpassed renowned players such as Younis Khan (194 innings), Steve Smith and Kumar Sangakkara (both in 199 innings).
Interestingly, Kane Williamson remains neck-and-neck with Steve Smith, who also registered his 33rd Test century this week during a match against India at the Gabba. Only cricketing legends Ricky Ponting (178 innings) and Sachin Tendulkar (183 innings) have reached this landmark quicker. Kane Williamson narrowly missed an opportunity to surpass Tendulkar earlier in the series, falling in the nervous 90s during his 181st innings in Christchurch.
Kane Williamson’s performance in Hamilton not only strengthened New Zealand’s position but also rewrote few other records including:
1. 20+ Centuries in a Single Country:
Kane Williamson became the eighth cricketer to score 20 or more Test centuries in one country, joining the ranks of Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara and Sachin Tendulkar. He is the first to achieve this milestone in New Zealand.
2. First Player with 20 Test Centuries in New Zealand:
With this century, Kane Williamson becomes the only player to have scored 20 Test centuries on the New Zealand soil.
3. Consecutive Centuries at Seddon Park:
Kane Williamson has now hit centuries in five consecutive matches at Seddon Park, a world-first achievement. He surpassed the previous record of four consecutive centuries at a single venue held by several players.
Kane Williamson’s ability to consistently deliver remarkable performances solidifies his place among cricket’s all-time greats. His latest knock not only added vital runs for New Zealand but also showcased his unparalleled ability to excel under pressure, particularly on home turf.
