As if his CV needed any burnishing, Kane Williamson added another entry, scoring his third test double century.
In another steel-eyed display of ship steadying, the New Zealand skipper notched his 22nd test century early on day two of the first test versus the West Indies at Seddon Park, andhe didn't stop there.
He compiled New Zealand's 27th score of 200-plus and joined Stephen Fleming and Ross Taylor with three. Only Brendon McCullum, with four scores above 200, including the NZ-record 302, remains ahead.
After battling through day one to reach 97 not out at stumps, Williamson was much more fluent today. There were times when it looked like two different sports: the one taking place when Williamson was facing; another for the rest.
Williamson's double came up in 369 balls, shortly after drinks in the middle session, with a classic cover drive.
Williamson was already the New Zealand record-holder for centuries and has extended his lead over Ross Taylor, who was dismissed early this morning for 38, by three. He rises to 31st equal all-time and joins some illustrious names including Wally Hammond, Colin Cowdrey, AB de Villiers, Geoff Boycott, Ian Bell and Mohammad Azharuddin.
Williamson came to the crease at 14-1 yesterday on a verdant strip of grass that looked ripe for seam bowling. He and Tom Latham (86) combined for a robust 154-run partnership that appeared to sap the will of the West Indies.
Kane Williamson. Photo / Photosport
Initially, it wasn't Williamson's most sparkling innings. The 224 balls it took him to get there stands as testament to that. He enjoyed a mano-a-mano battle with the hostile Shannon Gabriel and never fully mastered the wily Jason Holder, who was by some distance the pick of the bowlers. But in between resolute defence, soft-handed edges that didn't carry and the odd play-and-miss, he peeled off some trademark check-drives through the off side.
