Historic! Kane Williamson becomes first New Zealand batter to reach 9,000-run mark in Test cricket | Cricket News

Kane Williamson (AP photo)

NEW DELHI: New Zealand star Kane Williamson on Saturday made history, becoming the first batter from the country to cross the 9,000-run mark in Test cricket.
Williamson got to the milestone on Day 3 of the first New Zealand vs England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The former captain, who was returning from a groin injury that sidelined him during the India series, reached the landmark in New Zealand’s second innings where he went on to score 61.
The 34-year-old Williamson got the the 9000-run feat in just 103 Tests, making him the joint third-fastest alongside legends Kumar Sangakkara and Younis Khan.
Australia’s Steve Smith remains the fastest to the landmark, reaching 9000 Test runs in 99 Tests. West Indian’s legend Brian Lara did it in 101 matches.
Ross Taylor (7,683) remains second on the list of most run-getters for New Zealand in Tests. Stephen Fleming sits third on the spot with 7,172 runs.
In the second innings, Williamson contributed a solid 61 runs, forming vital partnerships with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell before being dismissed by Chris Woakes.
Earlier, he scored a brilliant 93 in the first innings, guiding New Zealand to 348 runs. Glenn Phillips added an unbeaten 58, while England’s bowlers Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir claimed four wickets each in the first innings.
England responded strongly, powered by Harry Brook’s stunning 171, Ben Stokes’ 80, and Ollie Pope’s 77, amassing 499 runs for a commanding 151-run lead.
New Zealand ended Day 3 at struggling at 155 for with a 4-run lead.