New Zealand player Kane Williamson. (FILE)New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson has crossed 9000 runs during the side’s first Test against England at Christchurch. He became the first player from New Zealand to get there and the second fastest amongst his contemporary fab four.
India’s Virat Kohli, England’s Joe Root, and Australia’s Steve Smith are considered among the fab four of this generation. While all of them have crossed the 9000 run mark Smith was the fastest to get there.
Root reached the milestone third, however, and Kohli has got to the landmark last after a lull in red-ball form in recent years.
Additionally, Williamson also has the second-best average amongst fab four of 54.89. Smith has the highest with 57.32. Root once again is at three with 50.62 and Kohli has an aggregate of 49.15.
| Player | Country | Innings to 9000 runs |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 172 |
| Steve Smith | Australia | 174 |
| Rahul Dravid | India | 176 |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 177 |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | 177 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 178 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 179 |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 182 |
| Younis Khan | Pakistan | 184 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 188 |
| Sunil Gavaskar | India | 192 |
| Graeme Smith | South Africa | 195 |
| Joe Root | England | 196 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 197 |
Earlier, Williamson has stepped down as white-ball captain after the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup and has also declined the national contract for the 2024-25 season. However, he assures his commitment to the Blackcaps going forward whenever needed and also leaves the door open to potentially accepting the central contract in the future.
“The 33-year-old has opted to take advantage of a particular set of circumstances this summer in which very little international cricket is being played in New Zealand during the January window,” stated New Zealand Cricket in their statement.
Apart from January Williamson would remain available for selection. Players who are contracted by NZC need to be available for both the country and the domestic Dream11 Super Smash competition.
“Pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer,” Williamson said. “My life outside cricket has changed however – spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me,” he added.
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