Williamson claimed to be wary of looking a fool against Mustafizur's incognito slower balls, but don't be fooled by the humility. Selflessness played a role, too. His attitude reflects in some of the lyrics of Zebra, the John Butler Trio song about adaptability which accompanies the 26-year-old to the crease in limited overs matches.
I could be first or I could come last
It's not who breaks the ribbon
It's how you get across.
After giving his wicket away via a lap shot to short fine leg with a run to win in the first test against Pakistan this summer, Williamson appeared to take heed.
"It's a team game," he said in the aftermath of the record ODI second-wicket partnership of 179 against any country, shared with Neil Broom.
"When they brought 'Fiz [Mustafizur] back, I think every right-hand batsman in world cricket knows it's close to impossible to slog him for six when he's bowling slower balls.
Another match-winning Williamson innings was coming as sure as 2017, but the contribution was the result of meticulous planning. He spent almost the entire practice in the nets on Wednesday before the second ODI, either facing bowlers or the spaghetti ladle of stand-in batting coach Gary Stead. He worked towards perfecting a more authoritative defence, and practised not forcing his hands through the ball. Luke Ronchi also started peppering him with the ladle from around the wicket to simulate Mustafizur.
"What you need is a sound game plan to opposition," Williamson said. "That gives you every chance."
So it did, even when he shuffled down the wicket to disrupt Bangladeshi lengths like a man sneaking towards the fridge for a midnight feast.
Crucially his head always stayed still at the point of contact. He feasted on runs as a result.
