Kane Williamson Surpasses Ross Taylor to Become Highest Run Scorer for Blackcaps in Tests

Kane Williamson on Monday became the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in Test cricket. He edged past former batter Ross Taylor, who retired with 7,683 runs to his credit, to reach this feat. Stephen Fleming, also a former Black Caps captain, sits third on 7,172 runs.

Kane Williamson becomes most run scorer for New Zealand in Tests

New Zealand started Monday trailing by 24 runs, having been forced to follow on after England declared their first innings at 435. The former Black Caps skipper reached the milestone in his 92nd Test and 161st innings – considerably quicker than Taylor’s 112 Tests and 196 visits to the crease.

It will come as a relief for the technically proficient right-hander, who started the two-match England series needing only 39 runs to clinch the record.

Williamson totaled only 10 runs through his first three innings, forming part of a New Zealand top order that struggled against the English seam attack. He sits 38th on the all-time Test leader board, which is topped by Indian great Sachin Tendulkar with 15,921 runs.

Special Applause for a Special Player

The former New Zealand captain hit England pacer James Anderson towards mid wicket for a boundary to get past Taylor’s record of 7,683 runs in Tests. Taylor retired from international cricket last year after playing 112 Tests.

Williamson raised his bat fleetingly to acknowledge an ovation from the Wellington crowd after reaching 29 not out on day four of the second Test against England at the Basin Reserve.

Ross Taylor’s Relishing Message to Kane Williamson as he reaches the feat

Ross Taylor took to his social media account to congratulate his teammate.

“Congratulations, Kane. This achievement is a testament to your hard totaled dedication to Test Cricket, of which I was privy to for a number of years,” Taylor posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes‘ side are chasing 258 to win after Black Caps are all out for 483. England takes on New Zealand in the final match of the two-Test series. England leads the series 1-0 after a 267-run win at Mount Maunganui last week. Interestingly, New Zealand has not lost a home Test series for six years.

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