- Kane Williamson scores back-to-back centuries in the opening Test against South Africa
- Williamson’s 31st Test century puts him joint-sixth in the all-time list of home Test hundreds
- He surpasses Don Bradman and Virat Kohli on the all-time list of centuries
- Williamson joins Steve Smith as the second-fastest to score 31 Test hundreds
- He becomes the fifth Kiwi batsman to score two centuries in a single match
- Williamson now holds the record for the most Test hundreds and double centuries by a New Zealander
Introduction
Ace New Zealand batter Kane Williamson is currently on a dream run in the longer format of the game. In the opening Test against South Africa at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Williamson displayed exceptional skills and scored back-to-back centuries, marking significant milestones in his Test career. His impressive performance has put him on par with cricket legends Don Bradman and Joe Root in terms of home Test centuries.
Main Content
Impressive Centuries against South Africa
In the first innings of the Test match, Williamson scored a magnificent 109 runs off 132 balls, including 12 fours and a six. He followed it up with another century in the second innings, scoring 118 runs from 289 balls. His exceptional batting has provided the Black Caps with a massive 528-run lead in their second innings, with 7 wickets in hand.
Joining the All-Time List of Home Test Hundreds
With his 31st Test century, Kane Williamson now has 18 centuries at home, putting him joint-sixth in the all-time list of home Test hundreds. He joins cricketing greats like Don Bradman and Joe Root, who also have 18 Test centuries at home. Mahela Jayawardene, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting share the record of 23 hundreds at home.
Surpassing Bradman and Kohli on the All-Time List
Kane Williamson’s first-innings century in the Test match against South Africa was his 30th Test century, surpassing Australian legend Don Bradman and Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli on the all-time list of centuries. This milestone further solidifies Williamson’s status as one of the world’s top batters across all formats.
Record-Breaking Achievement
Williamson’s remarkable performance also saw him join an elite group of players as the second-fastest to score 31 Test hundreds. Sachin Tendulkar holds the record, achieving this feat in his 165th innings. Additionally, he became the fifth New Zealand batsman to score two centuries in a single match, joining the likes of Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth, Andrew Jones, and Peter Fulton.
Making History for New Zealand
Kane Williamson’s impressive red-ball cricket career has been marked by numerous records and accolades. With his current performance against South Africa, he now holds the record for the most Test hundreds and double centuries by a New Zealander. His average of 55.13 ranks him sixth on the all-time list, trailing only cricketing superstars like Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, and Steve Smith, with the great Don Bradman at the top.
Conclusion
Kane Williamson’s dream run in the longer format of the game continues as he equals the home Test century records of Don Bradman and Joe Root. His back-to-back centuries against South Africa have not only earned him significant milestones but have also cemented his position as one of the world’s top batters. As Williamson continues to make history for New Zealand, cricket fans eagerly await his future performances.
