Kane Williamson. Photo / AP
Kane Williamson turned a deaf ear to some barbed Indian taunts as he helped save the second cricket test for New Zealand today.
The 20-year-old rookie received a backhanded compliment from the world's top ranked test nation, who resorted to sledging to try to break his concentration during a pivotal
partnership with double centurion Brendon McCullum.
But he was up to the challenge and refused to even acknowledge the Indians as he compiled a high quality 69 in a fifth wicket stand of 124 with McCullum after the tourists took guard this morning at 237 for four, just 115 runs ahead overall.
By the time Williamson left the middle shortly after lunch, unlucky to be given out leg before wicket, New Zealand had advanced to 345 and
McCullum was on track for a career best 225.
The tourists eventually declared at 448 for eight to leave the series at 0-0 heading into the decider at Nagpur starting on Saturday.
New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch revealed the Indian tactics against Williamson, who impressed them hugely when scoring 131 on his debut in the first test at Ahmedabad.
"The Indians went hard at him verbally through Harbhajan Singh and (Zaheer) Khan," Greatbatch said.
"They tried to engage with him but he just disengaged after every ball and focused on his game, relaxed and went back into the box for the next ball."
Williamson was simply outstanding for the opening hour of the morning session when he took the pressure off his senior partner by regularly finding the ropes, meaning McCullum could settle into for a long stay after resuming on 124.
He disrupted India's intentions from the outset, striking fast bowler Shantakumaran Sreesanth for three boundaries in the very first over.
Greatbatch was understandably hugely taken with Williamson's performance so soon after his standout effort in Ahmedabad.
"He has a real ability to play his way whatever the situation, whether we are on top or behind the eight ball.
"He got some stuff early that was proactive with. He got underway quickly and Brendon didn't have to do too much.
"Kane took it to the opposition and they had to change their strategy."
