Cricket: Kane Williamson rises to number one in the world test batting rankings

The year of Black Caps captain Kane Williamson has ended with another record after claiming top spot in the world test batting rankings.

Williamson scored 150 runs in his two innings in the Black Caps’ first test win over Pakistan, enough to pass India’s Virat Kohli and Australia’s Steve Smith for first place on the International Cricket Council (ICC) ladder.

It is Williamson’s second time achieving the feat (the last time he held the rank was in 2015), which comes the same week the ICC named him for their “Team of the Decade” test.

Since making his New Zealand debut in November 2010, Williamson has amassed one of the best test records of any Black Cap; scoring 23 centuries with an average of 52.90 in 82 games, 34 of them as captain.

Williamson was characteristically humble in speaking of the double honor, passing the credit to the players he has followed and led in his time with the team.

“It feels surreal to be there. However, I think it’s a team reward to be honest … it wouldn’t mean much without the contributions and efforts of all the other players you play with for such a long period of time that you it gives the motivation and drive to try to advance the teams you are involved in, “said Williamson.

“There are also many people along the way who have tried to help me as a player and as a person and I want to thank everyone.”

Overtaking players like Kohli and Smith, controversially named the best test hitter of the decade, Williamson was once again shy, suggesting his new ranking was fraught with luck.

“For me to sneak up on maybe somehow it’s very surprising and humbling, but at the same time I think there are other rankings somewhere that clearly indicate the successes of these other two. Year after year those two players, formats, are moving the game forward. “

However, Black Caps fans will be aware of the cold and hard facts behind Williamson’s rise to the top and will undoubtedly back him as he attempts to lead New Zealand to the top of the team rankings next week; where a second victory over Pakistan will get them there for the first time.

As Williamson says, extremely focused: “There is still a lot of cricket to play.”