Kane shows he’s able to foot it with The Don
This week’s ‘ Kane Williamson statistic’ has the New Zealand captain entering the realm of Sir Donald Bradman.
His 104 off 90 balls against Bangladesh helped secure the country’s highest fourth innings chase — 217 for three — in 87 years of test cricket at the Basin Reserve. The feat overtook the 215 for six chase to defeat India in 1998.
That’s how Williamson will want it recorded for posterity, but he is also looming into The Don’s rearview mirror on the list of ‘ fourth innings’ averages.
The Australian legend averaged 73.40 from 15 appearances in the last dig, including five not outs. He made three centuries and four halfcenturies.
Williamson averages 66.90 from the same number of innings and not outs and with the same number of
Williamson’s latest century was another addition to what is becoming a series of remarkable feats.
centuries and three half-centuries.
Bruce Mitchell of South Africa (89.85) heads the list of fourth-innings averages, ahead of West Indies’ Jeffrey Stollmeyer (86.33) and Australian Peter Burge (76.50).
Williamson’s latest century was another addition to what is becoming a series of remarkable feats.
Yes, the innings came against Bangladesh, but the visitors held the balance of power in the test until Williamson strode out for the final time. His technique and temperament disarmed their dreams of a maiden test win against New Zealand.
It had echoes of Daniel Vettori’s scruff-of-the-neck leadership at Chittagong in 2008 when New Zealand faced the daunting prospect of chasing 317 for victory. Vettori made 76 batting at No 4, having earlier scored 55 not out and taken nine wickets for 133. He received support from Aaron Redmond (79) and Daniel Flynn (49) but by the time the skipper exited at 298 for six, the result was under control.
Arguably Williamson’s best fourth innings contribution was his first, 102 not out, against South Africa in 2012 at the Basin Reserve.
Neither Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander nor Morne Morkel was capable of luring him into a dismissal across 327 minutes and 228 balls.
The knock included a Steyn delivery which cracked his protective box. For a split-second, Williamson must have felt like his world was imploding, yet he endured a further