Nineteen year old Northern Knights all-rounder Kane Williamson has been dominating in the Plunket Shield and One-Day domestic competitions, with both the bat and ball and it is no wonder everyone is talking about this bright young talent.
He’s been compared to the likes of Martin Crowe and Ken Rutherford, have also scored 1000 First Class runs and two centuries by their 20th birthdays and went on to forge successful international careers.
VIDEO: Martin Crowe talks about his comparision with Kane Williamson »
Williamson was first noticed for his ability while still at school and made his domestic debut during the 2007/08 season.
“Kane was identified at U14 level as a special talent and it is no surprise to any of us that he is now on the verge of international cricket,” Knights coach Grant Bradburn said. “Kane is a well rounded and balanced individual, with intelligence to be able to think through his own game well. He is also a very inquisitive character, very keen to learn. Kane simply loves batting and everything that goes into scoring big runs.”
This season Williamson has hit 526 runs so far in the Plunket Shield, with two centuries and a top scoring of 192 with his right arm off-breaks have netting nine wickets.
In the One-Day competition he took out the Mitre 10 MVP averaging 77.62 with the bat, scoring two centuries and five half centuries and top scoring with 108*. With the ball in the 50 over format he took 13 wickets including a five wickets in the final.
| Plunket Shield overall |
|---|
| Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | 100 | 50 |
| 18 | 1340 | 192 | 49.62 | 4 | 6 |
| Plunket Shield 2009/10 season |
|---|
| Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | 100 | 50 |
| 8 | 526 | 192 | 58.44 | 2 | 1 |
| Men's One-Day overall |
|---|
| Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | 100 | 50 |
| 26 | 969 | 108* | 57.00 | 3 | 6 |
| Men's One-Day 2009/10 season |
|---|
| Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | 100 | 50 |
| 11 | 621 | 108* | 77.62 | 2 | 5 |
The question, however, which has been posed from a number of media outlets, is when will we see this right hand batsman and right hand off-break bowler on the international scene?
Bradburn knows it’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when for the young talent. “There is no doubt in my mind that Kane has all the credentials to become a world class player at all forms. The last three months have seen Kane have tremendous success and experience.”
Williamson has three key attributes which Bradburn thinks the BLACKCAP selectors will be keeping their eyes on. “His defence is the corner stone of his game and is rock solid. His back foot play is second to none in this country and we know at international level this well be tested so Kane has worked hard to build a back foot game as a strength,” he said. “Kane’s ability to use his feet to spin will be a critical component to his success of the sub continent in time, firstly batting at five or six until he earns the right to bat at three. His off spin will also provide a perfect balance to Vettori’s left arm spin.”
Although Williamson has experienced vast success this season, Bradburn said he’s not getting too big for his boots and still has a lot to work on before reaching the international level. “Kane is very level headed and takes everything in his stride. Kane also had a great season last year, but he knows he's far from the finished product and he's simply enjoying the learning he is experiencing about how to score runs at first class level.”
