Kane Williamson surpassed Ross Taylor to become their highest Test run-scorer

Kane Williamson re-affirmed his status as the best batter New Zealand has ever produced when he overtook long-time teammate Ross Taylor to become the Kiwis’ leading Test run-scorer of all-time.

Williamson went past Taylor’s total of 7683 Test runs in trademark style early on the fourth day of New Zealand’s ongoing second Test against England in Wellington as the Black Caps attempt to work their way back into the contest.

The stylish right-hander worked a James Anderson delivery off his toes and to the boundary to better Taylor’s mark and in the process keep New Zealand’s hopes alive of salvaging something from the Test.

New Zealand were forced to follow on after being dismissed for just 209 in their first innings, but things appear rosier for the hosts in their second innings with Williamson and a host of their top-order batters scoring more freely.

Williamson was eventually out later in the day for 132, but not before he had pulled New Zealand back into the contest ahead of what looms as a thrilling final day in Wellington.

With Williamson overtaking Taylor to become New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in Tests, it now means the 32-year-old has by far the best record of any Kiwi batter in the history of the men’s game.

Williamson has 26 Test centuries to his name – seven more than any other player – and his Test average that is north of 53 is greater than the top 20 batters on New Zealand’s all-time leading Test run-scorer list.

The right-hander broke the record in his 92nd Test, while Williamson has five double-hundreds in the format including a highest score of 251 which came against the West Indies in 2020.