In a historic achievement, Kane Williamson has become the first New Zealand player to score 9,000 runs in Test cricket. He reached this milestone during the ongoing Test match against England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, achieving it with his 26th run in the second innings.
Kane Williamson joins the elite list of batters
Williamson’s journey to 9,000 runs came in his 182nd innings, making him the eighth-fastest player in Test history to reach this landmark. Among his contemporaries, he is the second-quickest of the so-called “Fab Four,” trailing only Australia’s Steven Smith, who accomplished the feat in just 174 innings. Notably, only Kumar Sangakkara has achieved this milestone in fewer innings, reaching it in 172.
The former New Zealand captain’s consistency is remarkable; since 2017, he has maintained an average above 50 each year, with a stellar average of over 62 across 47 Tests during this period. His overall Test batting average is now approaching 55, placing him ahead of other prominent players such as Joe Root and Virat Kohli.
In the current match, Williamson also played a crucial role by scoring 93 runs in the first innings, helping New Zealand post a total of 348 runs. Despite his efforts, England responded strongly and finished their first innings at 499, with Harry Brook scoring a stunning 171 runs.
As Williamson celebrates this significant milestone, he joins an elite group of cricketers who have crossed the 9,000-run mark in Test cricket, further solidifying his legacy as one of the finest batters of his era. The match continues to be competitive as both teams vie for dominance on the field.
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Fastest to complete 9000 runs in Test cricket
- Kumar Sangakkara – 172 innings
- Steve Smith – 174 innings
- Rahul Dravid – 176 innings
- Brian Lara – 177
- Ricky Ponting – 177
- Mahela Jayawardene – 178
- Sachin Tendulkar – 179
- Kane Williamson – 182
- Younis Khan – 184
- Jacques Kallis – 188
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