Wellington, Jan 1 (IANS) New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has described batting alongside the destructive Brendon McCullum as an overwhelming experience, terming the feeling similar to being a “library in a theme park”.
McCullum set a new record for fastest Test century by a New Zealander when he thrashed a 74-ball century against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Christchurch.
He was on course to beat the fastest Test double century (off 153 balls) mark but was dismissed for 195 off 134 deliveries. He hit 13 boundaries and 11 sixes during his mammoth innings.
“I certainly struggled in Christchurch when he was whacking it to all parts, and I kind of felt like I was the library in a theme park,” Williamson was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz Thursday, on arrival at the Basin Reserve here to prepare for Saturday’s second Test.
Williamson himself was among runs, contributing 54 and 31 not out at the Hagley Oval in the hosts’ eight-wicket victory.
The hard-hitting batsman hoped his skipper would continue with his awesome form but admitted the sense of overbearance was a feeling he’s never experienced before.
“It’s important that the focus is you can’t quite compete with what he’s doing and just stick to your game. Sometimes it can be tough. It just highlights the fact that you need to stick around so he can keep playing with that freedom.”
“You know when he is doing what he’s doing how he develops the game and pushes it forward in our favour. It’s a great place to be at the other end, although it might be dangerous at times. It’s certainly something special to watch.”
He also lauded the achievement of McCullum, terming it a “special moment” for cricket in the country.
“He (McCullum) doesn’t mention a lot about his innings but we all do that. Obviously it was a really special moment for him and New Zealand cricket and it’s great to come back here, we always love playing at the Basin. It’s nice to be here with the sun shining,” Williamson said.