After Kane Williamson had a successful stint as the One-Day International series (ODI) in the recently concluded, will it be advisable to appoint him captain in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Pramod Ananth explores the possibility.
Kane Williamson has come a long way. Not only has he matured immensely as a player but as a captain as well. His leadership qualities were evident when he led his side to a 3-2 win over Pakistan. Taking over from Brendon McCullum has not been easy. “Baz” has scored almost 1,000 runs this year. His 224 and a 302 against India will probably end up being parts of New Zealand cricket folklore. He also scored a spectacular match-winning double century against Pakistan recently in Sharjah as well. With his immaculate tactical acumen and ability to lead from the front, McCullum was easily the most obvious leader since his issues with Ross Taylor were sorted out.
With Sri Lanka touring New Zealand, one wonders whether it may be worth a go to appoint Williamson as the Test captain. It will probably be the right time for transition. McCullum, 33, can continue to lead in the shorter formats, but with Williamson making great strides, it may not be the worst possible idea.
New Zealand will play at home with a phalanx of quick bowlers who can exploit the conditions. They will definitely have the edge going into the series, which is all the more reason for young Williamson to lead the side. Of course, he will have Mccullum guiding him all the way through.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have faith in Williamson. Handing him the captaincy for the entire ODI series in UAE is proof of the fact that they consider Williamson one for the future. Though Sri Lanka will not be pushovers, New Zealand will certainly be the favourites going into the series. A time will come when NZC will have to do the transition. Why not now? Is the time not ripe already? If not, why? It is perhaps a gamble worth taking.
Once the Tests are over, McCullum can lead the side in the seven-ODI series (and the two against Pakistan) prior to the World Cup. He is definitely the man for the biggest stage of them all.
(Pramod Ananthis a reporter at CricketCoutry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15 and a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. He can be followed at @pramz)
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