“It was Tendulkar and Laxman and Dravid, and it was kind of like, ‘How am I here?'” – Kane Williamson recalls debut ahead of momentous 100th Test

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson recalled his Test debut before playing his 100th Test for the country. Williamson made his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad back in 2010. The right-hander scored a fine knock of 131 runs in his maiden Test innings and that match had ended in a draw.

Williamson was in awe as he rubbed shoulders with legendary Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Rahul Dravid. The talisman said it was a surreal experience for him and he has always tried to get better over the years.

“I remember walking out and looking around the field and seeing all my heroes. I used to love playing backyard cricket as a youngster, and all those guys were in that team that I would try and select. It was Tendulkar and Laxman and Dravid, and it was kind of like, ‘How am I here? I’d better start watching the ball and try and compete,” said Williamson in a pre-match press conference.

“It was quite surreal. I remember being quite eager to try and get into the opposition’s dressing room and chat to some of those guys if I could. Then a few grey hairs later and [after] a number of different experiences over that time, there’s not been many days – probably any – where I haven’t tried to improve and get better as a player,” he added.

Meanwhile, Williamson led New Zealand to glory in the ICC Test Championship 2021 as they registered an eight-wicket win against India and he picked that victory as a standout moment in his career. Williamson also led New Zealand to the final in the ODI World Cup 2019 but they lost to England on boundary count rule.

“The Test Championship final [against India in 2021] is something that stands out for a number of different reasons. But it’s a journey, and the highlights aren’t there without the other. They’re all experiences that you value and learn from. To perhaps reflect on hundred of those, it’s something I never could have imagined,” said Williamson.

Williamson has scored 32 Test centuries in his illustrious career. The second Test match between New Zealand and Australia will be played at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch from March 8 onwards.