New Zealand cricket witnessed a historic moment today as two of their stalwarts, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, donned their 100th Test caps in the ongoing series against Australia in Christchurch.
From U19 Teammates to Kiwi Legends: Kane Williamson and Tim Southee
This momentous occasion marks a remarkable journey for both New Zealand players who first shared the cricket field as teammates at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2008.
While Tim Southee had already earned his senior debut by then, Kane Williamson path to Test cricket was just beginning.
Kane Williamson rise to greatness
Kane Williamson talent was evident early on, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recognizing his potential during a New Zealand tour to Australia.
Ponting’s prophecy, made in the Hobart change room years ago, has come true as Williamson walks out for his 100th Test, ready to solidify his place as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever batsmen.
Stats Speak for Themselves
Williamson’s batting prowess is undeniable. He currently holds the record for the most Test runs for New Zealand (8675) and boasts an impressive average of 55.25. His tally of 32 Test centuries stands unmatched amongst active players.
Tim Southee: A Stalwart with the Ball
Tim Southee, the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 378 scalps, is another pillar of New Zealand’s bowling attack. He’s just over 50 wickets away from surpassing Richard Hadlee’s record for most Test wickets by a New Zealand bowler.
Respect from the Opposition
Even rival captain Pat Cummins acknowledged Southee’s dedication and consistency, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining peak performance for over a decade. Cummins also lauded Williamson, calling him a “prized wicket” across formats.
Leading the Charge for a Series Win: NZ vs AUS
With both Kane Williamson and Tim Southee reaching this milestone, New Zealand hopes their experience and leadership will inspire the team to clinch their first Test victory over Australia since 2011.
Editors pick
