by It would be wrong to say that Kane Williamson looked like a guy making up for lost time from day one in Christchurch, as he compiled 93 runs without hurrying. And given his famously egoless outlook, claiming this was motivated by some sort of inner turmoil over New Zealand’s historic victory in India would also be a stretch.
But given his return from a groin injury for that series opener against England, Will Young – player of the series in that 3-0 triumph – was knocked out – it was still a performance timely. Not that anyone in New Zealand seriously quibbled, with Williamson being the country’s top scorer. Judging by Young’s relaxed attitude at training during preparation, that unique Kiwi spirit is very real.
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Even missing what would have been a 33rd Test century – caught off the back of Gus Atkinson trying to cut out a ball that was gripping and bouncing – drew a typically measured response from Williamson at the stumps.
“Races are team races, you know?” he said. “Whether it is [93] or more – much more is obviously the desired outcome – it is what it is. On a surface like this, we also have a bit of luck. I played and missed a bit. It’s the nature of the beast.
Regardless, after scoring two overs early in the day, Williamson’s 197-ball stay provided the glue for New Zealand’s first innings; half of three 50+ stands alongside Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. It was vintage stuff from the 34-year-old, summed up by an early battle with Brydon Carse that saw him jackknifed by one of the bellies and respond with two brilliant fours.
Williamson said: “He’s a good bowler, he throws a heavy ball and he’s got some really good skills to shape the ball. The English bowlers are so used to it with the conditions they have at home and the skills they have. They all come to play with really good energy and he certainly did that too.
On Bashir, with whom he enjoyed a cat-and-mouse duel that saw bad balls put away but also some plays and misses, Williamson added: “He did a fantastic job against the wind. The way he did that and picked up a few wickets [four for 69 from 20 overs] was excellent. He had a bit of a bounce back as a big guy and he took advantage of it.
As the opening exchanges unfolded, Durham’s Ollie Robinson was finally on his way to New Zealand after England officially confirmed the wicketkeeper’s call-up. Robinson, 25 and averaging 42 in first-class cricket since the start of 2022, replaces Jordan Cox after the broken thumb he suffered at Queenstown.
All being well, Robinson is expected to arrive on Saturday and be in contention for a possible start in the second Test in Wellington which begins on December 6.
