New Zealand's silent rise to Test summit is resounding

THEY may not have the charm or the glitz generally championed by world-beating teams. They do not seem bellicose on the field either. But they do possess the capability to fight with confidence and wisdom against the very best in business. Kane Williamson and his well-drilled troops gloriously demonstrated this when it mattered the most at Southampton last Wednesday.

New Zealand before the ICC World Test Championship final had never played a five-day match at the Rose Bowl where inclement weather, apart from Virat Kohli's men, remained another hindrance in their march to victory. On the other hand, India had already featured in two Tests at the picturesque venue. Still all these factors could not subdue New Zealand who, prior to the WTC finale, had showcased their class by winning the two-game rubber against England in their own den.

Firm commitment backed by a wellestablished and properly managed system has done wonders for New Zealand cricket in recent years. Here overlooking the fact that New Zealand featured in the 2019 50over World Cup decider, which they lost to England in the last-ball super over thriller at

Lord's, would be a grave miss. The Black Caps were almost there but not to be!

And it is not just cricket in which New Zealand a small but socially-organised nation of five million-plus has made strides. Rugby, field hockey, squash, sailing and athletics are other sports fields where they have done exceedingly well in the international arena over the years.

Talking of commitment, the first name that comes to one's mind is Williamson, the 30-year-old batting maestro.

Cool as a cucumber, the right-hander ever since his century-rich Test debut in Ahmedabad more than ten years ago has never looked back and is now the pivot of his team's rock-solid batting line-up. Besides amassing 7,230 runs at a magnificent average of 53.95 in 85 Tests so far, he has been instrumental in the gradual ascent of New Zealand cricket.