Williamson pads up on captaincy poser
When faced with a testing delivery, Kane Williamson has become very adroit at deflecting it away.
Such was the case when questioned about his captaincy role a day before New Zealand’s third test against England at Headingley, who will be without their all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson.
‘‘The picture of leadership in this side is something I’m very passionate about,’’ Williamson said yesterday.
The Black Caps captain, who missed the second test defeat at Trent Bridge through Covid-19, has faced suggestions he should stand down from leading the test side. Williamson has missed six of New Zealand’s last seven tests – the first five through an ongoing elbow problem – and failed with the bat in his side’s opening match loss at Lord’s.
‘‘I love playing for my country and there are a number of leaders in this team that share that passion to take steps forward and become a better side.
‘‘Our focus is to keep getting better. We are up against a strong English side who are always tough to play against. We’ve had two really good games, they have had some special performances that have driven them forward.’’
Williamson expressed his frustration at being ruled out of the Trent Bridge test. He said he had watched pretty much every ball because he ‘‘didn’t have too much else to do’’.
‘‘It was a test where both teams put their front foot forward, played some shots, it was fast-scoring and in the balance like the first test.
‘‘I don’t shout at the TV. I watch and observe, it’s always interesting seeing it from a different perspective, although it wasn’t my preferable place to be. It was interesting to watch and connect from the other side a little bit.’’