Kane Williamson – New Zealand’s Greatest In Waiting

Becoming New Zealand’s greatest-ever batsman is a matter of how soon and not if for Black Caps Captain, Kane Williamson. Comparisons are often made in the game of cricket because of the importance of statistics, and the diminutive run machine is not only on an autobahn to overtake late legend Martin Crowe’s records, but he sits comfortably at a table with the world’s best.

The signs were there from the very start and as if debuting in India wasn’t a tough enough introduction, Williamson top scored with 131 in his first ever dig. This wasn’t beginner’s luck and he would soon kick off a long string of worldwide acclaim for his uniquely intelligent technique. Slow motion analysis of the way he went about his business was poured over constantly by commentary teams in every cricketing continent. Possessing the deftest hands in the game wasn’t enough, and Williamson showed he could hit the best bowlers anywhere around the park without fuss. Physically he was a tough nut to crack, but it was mentally that he impressed most, able to bat for long periods whilst keeping the scoreboard moving. There was no better display than his 102 not out in 2012 to salvage a crucial draw against South Africa. His two centuries in the 2015 series in Australia was another example of matching up to the most intimidating scenarios.

With his calculated, almost cold, manner at the crease Williamson not only proved he could bat time, but upon some rare criticism of his suitability for the shorter game, aced the T20 and ODI scene. Williamson defied the new T20 world order and demonstrated in his own way that scoring at a rapid rate in the shorter forms wasn’t just about clearing the boundary; although his desperate match winning six against Australia at the 2015 World Cup is eternally etched. Like his start in the whites, runs came thick and fast in the colours as well with a century against Bangladesh in his second ever ODI. As a Kiwi, comparisons are directly made to Crowe and in a world of data, Williamson equalled his record of 17 Test centuries in 21 less innings last March against South Africa. This was six years younger than Crowe and so far there hasn’t been any problems with serious injury. Globally, Williamson is firmly in the same company as Australia’s Steve Smith, England’s Joe Root and India’s Virat Kohli as the world’s elite with the best potentially yet to come as he grows further into his captaincy role. Locally, it’s roundly accepted he’s only a season or two away from being the best this country has ever seen with the bat.

Black Caps begin mammoth domestic season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four touring teams, a first day/night test match in New Zealand and very little time to take a breath in between. The 2017/18 domestic schedule is a punishing five months long and begins with the West Indies at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Skipper, Kane Williamson, leads the team through an unprecedented four tests, 13 ODI’s and potentially 11 T20 internationals. After recent good form in India, the Black Caps are starting to hit their straps.

Sydney to Hobart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boxing Day in Australia means a few things; the Melbourne Test match at the MCG, beer and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The annual blue water sprint to Tasmania lasts up to five days and this time around there will be 110 crews of varying ability and financial backing. Not everything goes to plan, and in recent history there’s been a few shipwrecks as the boats pass the infamous Bass Strait. Three Kiwi boats will line up for this year’s edition next to entries from all over the globe.

EPL gets fast and furious

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While us here Down Under are eating trifle and too much ham, some folk in the other hemisphere are in the midst of the most important moment of their lives (it seems). The Christmas period is the make-or-break time for the EPL clubs with serious title aspirations and those who want to hang around for another lucrative season. Several games every three to four days over a manic few weeks separate the clubs with the deepest rosters from those who are making up the numbers.