Williamson's record run
LATE yesterday afternoon, a New Zealand brains trust huddled on the outfield at Eden Park.
It had stopped raining but there was no immediate prospect of a restart, so as they checked watches, and looked at the thick, grey skies, what were coach Mike Hesson, captain Kane Williamson and lieutenant Tom Latham discussing?
At 7.55pm as the covers were once more coming off, Williamson and Latham were out there at it again.
Three possible options: with bad weather an increasing threat to New Zealand’s ambitions of pushing on towards victory in this test, was it worth contemplating a surprise early declaration and trying to put the heat back on desperate England; should they try to speed up the run rate to have the same effect; or were they discussing meal options for later in the evening?
Pasta, curry or a juicy eye fillet was a decent chance, but such has been New Zealand’s command of this test, they must surely have been pondering how to make the best of a potentially problematic situation.
New Zealand was 229 for four when play was called off, holding an overall lead of 171 and with six firstinnings wickets still standing. The forecast for today is bad.
In the heavily truncated second day, New Zealand had scored 54, England took one, albeit big, wicket, and just 23.1 overs were bowled before the final heavy chunk of rain arrived at 6.50pm.
The end of the drawnout daynight was immensely frustrating.
Ground staff sat on rolled up covers, noone doing anything in what was clearly a waitingouttime exercise until the day could be called off. Except it was not.
Noone does tedious rain delay better than cricket. Only those with a fascination for watching precisely nothing happen would have enjoyed the night period yesterday,
This is one aspect officials have never got their heads around, the notion of thinking of what Augusta would call its patrons.
The umpires had a last quick look just before 9pm with the idea of playing potentially to 10pm, but it was perfunctory — and the sort of decision which could easily have been taken 45 minutes earlier.
Williamson’s New Zealand recordsetting 18th test century — going ahead of Martin Crowe and Ross Taylor on 17 — was the only real talking point out of the day.
His outstanding 102, off 220 balls, was just the ticket for a New Zealand side looking to make sure the bowling display on day one, when England was mashed for just 58, was not wasted.
In his undemonstrative way Williamson should be chuffed. In time he will doubtless reflect on an immensely satisfying achievement.
But his mind invariably has team first, second and third in his priorities so that personal reflection will go on hold for now.
When play starts today, at 1.30pm, half an hour earlier than scheduled, Henry Nicholls will be on 49, a run shy of what would be a sixth test halfcentury.
He had done another good job over 143 balls, both guarding against a batting stumble and looking to further solidify New Zealand’s position.
Recalled wicketkeeper BJ Watling rattled three fours in four balls, scuttling up and down the pitch in his distinctive way.
England’s bowling was tidy if not overly inspired, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad having the odd good moment. But there is a sameness about England’s seam attack.
The faster Mark Wood could have provided a spot of variety but he is rated more erratic and an inferior batsman to Craig Overton.
It is all academic now. Eng land is staring uphill to find a way to save the test.
The weather could help. So could a batting display with some spine to it. — NZME