Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
New Zealand are currently placed at the third position in the standings of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship with a points percentage of 50%, having played six games in the current regime. The winners of the inaugural edition of the Championship have in total, six Tests lined up against different oppositions in the next couple of months – Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India – all on away soil.
Ahead of the only Test against Afghanistan to be played in Greater Noida, former Test skipper, Kane Williamson held the view that the World Test Championship indeed did enhance the significance of the red-ball games, due to the competitive nature of it involving a lot more numbers to take into consideration.
“In some ways, it’s like tournament sport, isn’t it? Even though it’s over a longer period of time in the [World] Test Championship, but the value of games is high,” stated Williamson, as quoted by the International Cricket Council.
He also expressed how WTC has managed to produce nail-biting matches since its inception half a decade back, as well as admitted to the entire group being enthusiastic for the games lined up ahead of them.
“The context around Test cricket with the Test Championship is really key and it’s brought out a lot of really exciting games. And so, naturally, having six Test matches together is a big part of our Test Championship calendar and one that we’re excited about,” added Williamson.
With the integration of former India batting coach, Vikram Rathour, and ex-Sri Lankan wizard, Rangana Herath, into their arsenal of backend staff as batting coach and spin-bowling coach on a short-term basis, the Black Caps would be anticipated to put up a good fight in conditions where they have not had the best of memories in the past.