Sat Nov 30 04:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Williamson Makes History, Reaches 9000 Test Runs
**Christchurch, New Zealand –** Kane Williamson etched his name into New Zealand cricket history, becoming the first Kiwi batsman to surpass 9000 Test runs. The achievement came during the opening Test against England at Hagley Oval, where he scored two half-centuries, a 93 in the first innings and a quick 61 in the third. This milestone makes him the last of the “Fab Four” (alongside Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith) to reach this mark. Remarkably, Williamson is the joint third-fastest to achieve this feat, reaching 9000 runs in just 103 matches and 182 innings – faster than both Kohli and Root.
Despite Williamson’s personal triumph, New Zealand are facing a challenging situation in the match itself. A strong England batting performance, spearheaded by a Harry Brook century, has left the Kiwis trailing. Williamson’s return to the side following injury has been a welcome boost, but the team needs to mount a significant recovery after a shaky start to their second innings.
Williamson’s achievement adds another chapter to his already illustrious career. He follows in the footsteps of Stephen Fleming and Ross Taylor as New Zealand’s leading Test run-scorers, having previously been the first to reach 8000 Test runs. His consistent performance solidifies his claim as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever cricketers. His accomplishment comes after a recent impressive 3-0 series win over India, a series he missed due to injury.
First Piper 