Kane Williamson made history as he became the first Kiwi cricketer to score 9,000 Test runs. The accomplished batter achieved this milestone on Saturday during the first Test against England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Williamson, making a return after groin surgery kept him from featuring in the India Test series, achieved this milestone during the second innings of New Zealand on day three of the match.
The 34-year-old brought up the landmark figure in 103 Tests, making it joint-third-fastest alongside Kumar Sangakkara and Younis Khan to reach the 9,000 Test-run mark. Australia’s Steve Smith is the fastest to score 9,000 Test runs, reaching the milestone in just 99 Tests to break Brian Lara’s record of 101 Tests.
Williamson contributed 61 runs in the second innings after two important partnerships, with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell before getting bowled in front by Chris Woakes.
Williamson’s knock of 93 runs has also proved instrumental in taking New Zealand to 348 in the first innings. Glenn Phillips remained not out at 58*, while Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir toiled for a four-wicket haul each.
In reply, England racked up 499, courtesy of Harry Brook’s staggering 171, Ben Stokes’ 80, and Ollie Pope’s 77, with New Zealand trailing by a mammoth 151 runs. New Zealand found itself at 155/6 in 48 overs with Daryl Mitchell and debutant Nathan Smith at the crease .