NZ vs Eng, 1st Test: Comeback man Kane Williamson leaves tense 90s for first time since 2018

Kane Williamson made an impressive return from a groin injury by scoring 93 on Day 1 of the first Test between New Zealand and England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Thursday (November 28). The right-hander never looked out of sorts despite a long lay-off through injury but missed out on a deserved 32nd Test ton and was bowled out for 93 when Gus Atkinson took him on. However, Williamson was sacked in the tense nineties for the first time since 2018. That says a lot about the former New Zealand captain’s ability to withstand the tense nineties, but his record was broken on Day 1 of the two-match series opener against England. .

Speaking about the conditions at the end of Day 1, Williamson told broadcasters: “It was challenging, we had to work hard, there were some good partnerships, but the wicket was pretty good. I was just trying to adapt to where I was going to run (when asked about the slippery surface, both teams got some rewards). “We had a pretty balanced day, overall we were happy with the partnerships, we felt the ball went a little bit well and we got some rewards at the end of the day.”

“The ball was moving a bit throughout, there was sideways movement and bounce, (Brydon) Carse got the ball out well, got the ball moving a bit with the wind. He was nervous (on his return), watched the series and the team. He did incredibly well in India, great “It was a success (winning 3-0),” he added.

As for the opening day’s play, NZ finished on 319-8 thanks to Williamson’s 93 not out and vital contributions from skipper Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips. The latter, along with former skipper Tim Southee (10*), remain unbeaten on 47 and will be looking to take his side’s total over the 350-run mark on Day 2.