Allan Border puts Williamson ahead of AB, Smith and Warner
Former Australian captain Allan Border rates Kane Williamson above the likes of Smith, AB de Villiers and David Warner. Border believes that Williamson is the batsman he would chose to bat for his life reports cricket.com.au.
He explained how Williamson’s classy technique puts him ahead of the world’s best. Speaking to foxsports.com.au, he said: “Of all the gun batsmen going around, he would be the one I'd choose to bat for my life, Over AB de Villiers, in front of Steve Smith, in front of Warner, in front of all of them.”
Williamson was the standout batsman for the black caps in the first Test, where he scored 140 in the first innings and 59 in the second innings and his current records are only bettered by Jacques Kallis at the age of 25. Border believes that there is no one better than Williamson.
“Technically, he's probably as equipped as any of them because I think he can take that technique to all different types of pitches,” he said.
“You know, Virat Kohli got found out in England. I think Joe Root's right up there; I've got a lot of time for him. Steve Smith's probably there too but he's a little bit more fidgety at the crease, so sometimes that affects the visuals about how technically correct he is. But I think Kane Williamson, he does everything correctly technically.”
Talking about what has impressed him the most, the former Australian captain said: “He's very still at the crease, plays all the shots. I think he's equally as comfortable against the spin and pace bowling.”
Australians were taken by surprise after Williamson’s one man show in the first test match. Mitchell Johnson said: "I knew about him (but) I didn't realise what a good player he is. He can play all of the shots. He looked good in defence and I am really looking forward to playing him out here (at the WACA) on a ground that I really enjoy bowling on and really test myself against him.
“He is definitely one who we will talk about in our team meeting today after training. He is very difficult to bowl to. If we build up enough good balls on him, he is going to be like any other player and nick off.“
The 25-year-old will have to be on his game if the Kiwis are to come out of the series with anything to show for their efforts.