Hamilton: Former New Zealand captain and batting mainstay Kane Williamson found a very unique way to get out during the third Test between New Zealand and England at Seddon Park here on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Williamson kicked the ball onto the stumps, leaving him dismissed by England pacer Matthew Potts. The incident was as surprising as it was unfortunate, even for the usually composed Williamson.
When it comes to the word “Unlucky” ; my mind always think of KANE WILLIAMSON .
— JJ (@JillaJayaram5) December 14, 2024
😬💯 https://t.co/e9zeJxtP0Z
New Zealand started the day on a positive note as both openers Will Young and skipper Tom Latham registered a 105-run opening stand. Will Young was then departed by Gus Atkinson on 42. Williamson came out at No. 3, and carried forward the momentum with a determined knock of 44 off 87 balls. However, his innings came to a dramatic end when he defended a short of good length delivery from Matthew Potts which hit his pads and got the deflection which resulted in the ball bouncing towards the off stump. In an attempt to stop the ball with his leg, Williamson accidentally nudged it into the stumps, leaving him stunned and visibly frustrated.
Bruh Kane Williamson literally kicked himself out 😭 pic.twitter.com/yKmdPRzYNd
— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) December 14, 2024
Williamson, who hardly shows any disappointment on his face, couldn't believe what had actually happened. Williamson's reaction— head hung low and a dismayed expression—reflected the oddity and disappointment of the moment. His dismissal marked a turning point in New Zealand's innings, as the batting collapsed like a house of cards. England capitalised on the breakthrough to take wickets in quick succession as New Zealand who were looking strong at one stage with 182/3 on the board, were reeling at 231/7.
How unfortunate way to get out!😬
— Rahul Ahuja (@rahulahuja21) December 14, 2024
Kane Williamson has always been unlucky.#NZvENG #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/zZIS6DYVC9
Apart from this, plenty of records were tumbled on Day 1 of the third Test. Former skipper Tim Southee, who is playing his last Test, equalled West Indies' legend Chris Gayle's tally of 98 sixes. Southee will hang up his boots with the conclusion of this Test match. He will retire as New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, and T20Is and third most in ODIs. He also holds the record for most wickets in international cricket for New Zealand with 774 scalps under his kitty.
Gus Atkinson is the second player in Test history to take 50 wickets in their first calendar year and the first since Terry Alderman in 1981 (54 wickets). Daryl Mitchell became his 50th test wicket. Gus Atkinson now has 51 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 22.06 which included a 10-wicket haul and three fifers.
