In the second Test against South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton, Kane Williamson beautifully notched up his 32nd Test century during the second innings and broke the record of Steve Smith.
In a remarkable achievement, Kane Williamson clinched the title of the fastest player to reach 32 Test centuries, surpassing Steve Smith’s record by achieving the milestone in just 172 innings. The captain led New Zealand to a 2-0 series victory against South Africa, delivering a stellar performance in the second Test with a score of 133 off 260 balls.
Currently holding the top spot in the ICC Test rankings, Williamson boasts an impressive record of 32 centuries and 33 half-centuries in Test cricket. Making his Test debut in 2010 against India, he has played 98 Test matches, accumulating 8666 runs at an average of 55.91. His home record surpasses his away performances, but this doesn’t undermine his prowess in foreign conditions. Known for his adeptness against spin, Williamson has 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries in away matches, while tallying 18 centuries and 18 half-centuries at home.
The recent century in the series against South Africa marked Williamson’s third in the last four innings, showcasing his exceptional form. In the first Test, he set the stage with scores of 118 and 109, joining the ranks of only five New Zealand batsmen to achieve twin centuries in a Test match.
Facing a formidable South African bowling attack, Williamson displayed remarkable resilience, especially evident in his gritty 43 in the first innings, laying the groundwork for his heroic century in the final innings. Beyond securing his position as one of the finest contemporary batsmen, this century elevated Williamson to the elite list of players with 32 Test hundreds. His achievement as the fastest to reach this milestone, in just 172 innings, eclipses the previous record held by Steve Smith at 174 innings.
List of fastest players to reach 32 Test centuries
- Kane Williamson – 172 innings
- Steve Smith – 174 innings
- Ricky Ponting – 176 innings
- Sachin Tendulkar – 179 innings
- Younis Khan – 183 innings
New Zealand is set to welcome their trans-Tasman rivals, Australia, for a series comprising three T20Is and two Test matches. The T20Is are scheduled to kick off on February 21, Wednesday, at Wellington’s Sky Stadium. Kane Williamson is expected to captain the New Zealand side during the T20I series, while Tim Southee will take on the role of skipper for the Test series.
