Kane Williamson has become the first New Zealander to score 9,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving this historic milestone during the ongoing Christchurch Test against England. The former Kiwi skipper reached the landmark with his 26th run in the third innings.
Taking just 182 innings to accomplish the feat, Williamson is the eighth-fastest player in Test history to do so. Among his contemporaries in the “Fab Four,” he trails only Steve Smith, who achieved the mark in 174 innings. This achievement underscores Williamson’s consistency and class in the longest format of the game.
Outshining His Contemporaries
Williamson surpassed Joe Root and Virat Kohli, who needed 196 and 197 innings, respectively, to reach 9,000 Test runs. His consistency is unmatched, with an average exceeding 50 runs per calendar year since 2017. Notably, no other New Zealand batter has crossed even the 8,000-run mark in Test cricket.
Williamson’s career batting average of nearly 55 places him ahead of both Root (50.81) and Kohli (48.13). Among active players with over 5,000 runs, only Steve Smith (56.40) boasts a better average. Since 2017, Williamson has maintained a staggering Test average of over 62, solidifying his reputation as one of modern cricket’s finest players.
Williamson’s Dominance Against England
In the first innings of the Christchurch Test, Williamson showcased his brilliance with a 93-run knock off 197 balls, helping New Zealand post a competitive 348/10. This innings marked his 36th Test half-century, adding to his impressive tally of 32 centuries.
Over 103 Test matches, Williamson has accumulated over 9,000 runs at an average exceeding 55. Against England specifically, he has scored more than 1,100 runs across 17 Tests, including four centuries and five half-centuries, with an average above 36.
Despite Williamson’s heroics, New Zealand faces a tough challenge in the match. England responded strongly, amassing 499/10 thanks to Harry Brook’s sensational 171 and valuable contributions from Ollie Pope (77) and Ben Stokes (80).
Trailing by a significant margin, New Zealand must deliver a resilient batting performance in the third innings to remain competitive. Williamson’s contributions remain central to the team’s fightback as he continues to elevate New Zealand cricket with his extraordinary achievements.
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