Ex-Kiwi great Turner sees lots of promise in Williamson

WELLINGTON - Two things have impressed New Zealand cricket selector Glenn Turner about Kane Williamson’s debut ton against India last week - his ability to play off the back foot and his century celebrations.

Williamson could not have made a more emphatic statement as the youngest New Zealander to score a century on test debut. It showed why he is likely to be a permanent fixture in the Black Caps for the next decade and beyond.

Turner says he has rated Williamson for years, but was impressed by his undemonstrative reaction on scoring his ton. Williamson simply took off his helmet and raised his bat rather than producing any whooping-type carry on.

“It strikes me that player agents and the like want their charges to play up to crowd [and cameras] in a way they think makes them popular. Then others ape that. Williamson actually responded the way he felt, in a more conservative fashion. It indicated he felt the job wasn’t done. If you let yourself go too much emotionally, it’s hard to get yourself back,” the New Zealand Herald quoted Turner, as saying.

Turner should know as he is the only New Zealander to score a century of first-class centuries with 103.

He says the highlight of Williamson’s innings was his ability to play off the back foot and counter the Indian spin bowling so effectively.

“We could do with a few more like him. I remember I did some work with the under-19s, when Kane was a bit younger than the rest of the group at 16. He stood out not only because of his natural talent but because he was one of the few who asked any questions.

He was mocked and teased a bit by others for doing so, but I thought he’s one guy who is keen to learn,” said Turner. (ANI)