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What makes Williamson a special cricketer

Last updated on: January 04, 2021 20:32 IST

Williamson breaks Fleming’s record for most 50-plus Test scores.

Kane Williamson's work ethic is being hailed by former India batsman VVS Laxman

IMAGE: Kane Williamson's work ethic is being hailed by former India batsman VVS Laxman. Photograph: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has added another feather to his illustrious cap as he surpassed former skipper Stephen Fleming to record most fifty-plus scores for the Kiwis in the longest format of the game.

Williamson hit an unbeaten 112 on day two of the second Test against Pakistan on Monday and now has a tally of 56 fifty-plus scores for the Blackcaps in Test cricket.

Fleming, who played 111 Test for New Zealand had 55 fifty-plus scores.

Williamson, who ended 2020 by claiming the number one spot in Test rankings has now become the first player to hit a ton in 2021.

 

Williamson has now scored a hundred in every Test match he has played this summer, and former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman is not at all surprised to see the consistency of the number one batsman.

Williamson's unbeaten century put the Kiwis on top at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday.

Laxman explained the reason behind Williamson's success and said the Kiwi skipper is the true role model for any youngster who is trying to make a name in cricket.

"Not at all surprised to see the consistency of Kane Williamson. Unbelievable work ethics and attention to detail while preparing for any match are the reasons behind his success. A true role model for any youngster to emulate," Laxman tweeted.

The Kiwis concluded day two at 286/3, trailing Pakistan by 11 runs. Williamson and Henry Nicholls are currently unbeaten on 112 and 89 respectively. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, and Faheem Ashraf scalped one wicket each.

Starting their innings on day two, New Zealand openers provided a steady start to the side as Tom Latham and Tom Blundell put on 52 runs for the first wicket, but Pakistan came back strongly as the visitors dismissed both the openers in a span of six balls.

Williamson and Nicholls did not keep their foot off the peddle in the final session and both batsmen went past their half-century mark. In the end, the duo saw out the final session of play and the Kiwis ended day two with seven wickets in the bag.

New Zealand had bundled out Pakistan for 297 in the first innings as Kyle Jamieson scalped five wickets.

Source: ANI