Fans go gaga as New Zealand’s Kane Williamson shines with 33rd century on Day 3 of the final Test against England

by

The cricketing world witnessed yet another spectacular performance from New Zealand‘s Kane Williamson as he scored his 33rd century during the third and final Test against England in Hamilton. This remarkable achievement not only highlighted but reinforced Williamson’s exceptional talent as one of the premier batters in contemporary cricket. As the Black Caps strive to salvage pride after losing the first two matches of the series, Williamson’s innings became a beacon of hope for his team.

Kane Williamson’s historic milestone

With this century, Williamson matched Australia superstar Steve Smith, both now holding 33 Test hundreds, a feat that placed them among the elite in the game. Only England’s Joe Root boasts more centuries among active players, further emphasizing the significance of Williamson’s achievement. His innings came at a crucial time when New Zealand needed stability and confidence to build a substantial lead against a dominant English side.

Also READ: NZ vs ENG: Tim Southee surpasses Jacques Kallis’ sixes tally in Test cricket

The road to the magnificent century

Williamson’s journey to this milestone was marked by patience and skill. Resuming his innings on Day 3 with an overnight score of 50, he faced challenges early on but quickly settled into his rhythm. His partnership with Rachin Ravindra, which yielded 107 runs for the fourth wicket, was pivotal in steering Kiwis towards a commanding position. Despite some nervous moments, including an lbw appeal that could have changed the course of his innings, Williamson maintained composure and focus.

The highlight of his innings came when he reached his century with a six off Jacob Bethell, showcasing not only his ability to play under pressure but also his flair for the dramatic. This century was particularly special as it marked his fifth consecutive hundred at Seddon Park, a venue where he has historically excelled.

Seddon Park: A fortress for Williamson

Seddon Park has proven to be a fortress for Williamson throughout his career. With seven centuries and an astonishing average of 98.81 at this ground, it is no surprise that he feels at home here. His ability to perform consistently in Hamilton has solidified his reputation as one of the finest batters in Test cricket history.

While Williamson shone brightly, England faced challenges of their own. After securing victories in the first two Tests, they struggled to contain the Black Caps’ batting on Day 3. The absence of captain Ben Stokes, who left the field clutching his hamstring during bowling, added to their woes. The English bowlers found themselves on the back foot as Williamson and his teammates capitalized on their opportunities. The 34 year old ended his classy knock of 156 runs facing 204 deliveries falling on Shoaib Bashir.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Kane Williamson’s unfortunate dismissal on Day 1 of the NZ vs ENG 3rd Test

Leave a Comment