Kane Williamson slams sixth Test double-century, completes 8,000 runs
Kane Williamson clocked his sixth double-century in Tests in the ongoing second and final game against Sri Lanka. During the course of his knock, he also became the first New Zealand batter to complete 8,000 runs in Tests. Meanwhile, it was overall his 28th century in Tests. He ended up scoring 215 off 296 balls (23 fours, 2 sixes). Here are his stats.
Another composed knock from Williamson
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Williamson arrived in the middle with the scorecard reading 87/1. He batted with precision and sent the Lankans further on the back foot. It must be noted that Williamson recorded a triple-century stand (363) with Henry Nicholls for the third wicket. The latter also touched the three-figure mark.
Williamson joins this elite list
Williamson has equaled greats like Marvan Atapattu, Virender Sehwag, Javed Miandad, Younis Khan, Ricky Ponting, and Sachin Tendulkar in terms of double-tons in Tests. Among active players, only former Indian skipper Virat Kohli (7) boasts more double-centuries in the longest format. While no other Kiwi batter owns as many or more Test double-tons, Brendon McCullum (4) trails Williamson in this regard.
Highest run-scorer for New Zealand
As mentioned, Williamson became the first-ever NZ batter to complete 8,000 Test runs, accomplishing the feat in 94 games. He has now raced to 8,124 runs at an incredible average of 54.89. Besides 28 tons, he has smoked 33 fifties. Interestingly, he remains the only NZ batter with over 20 tons in the format. Ross Taylor follows Williamson with 19 centuries.
Fifth-most runs among active players
Williamson's tally of 8,124 Test runs is the fifth-most among active players. Australia's Steve Smith (8,792), his compatriot David Warner (8,158), England's Joe Root (10,948), and Kohli (8,416) are the ones ahead of him. Williamson has equaled SA's Hashim Amla, Australia's Michael Clarke, and Kohli in terms of Test centuries. Smith (30) and Root (29) are the only active players with more Test tons.
His numbers versus SL
Williamson, who scored a match-winning 121* in the series opener, has now raced to 1,329 runs in 12 Tests against SL at 78.17. During his stay, he went past Stephen Fleming (1,166) as the NZ batter with the most Test runs vs SL. This was Williamson's fifth ton and second double-ton against the Lankans. He has also tallied five fifties against the opposition.
How has the match proceeded?
While Williamson and Nicholls smoked tons on the second day, opener Devon Conway's 78 headlined the opening day's play. His fellow opening partner Tom Latham (21) couldn't do much. Meanwhile, the hosts have crossed the 530-run mark at the time of writing. Having thrillingly won the opening clash by two wickets, NZ are eyeing to seal the series 2-0.
