So much has been talked about the need for brute force in T20s. The game meant for going hammering tongs from the word go is said to favour the big hitters.?
Yet, there are players like Kane Williamson who have made the transition from Test cricket and excelled in the shortest format of the game. There is no muscle power, just basic cricket essence to his batting - playing each ball on merit.?
The other day against India, the class was on display again as he almost took his side home with a eye-catching 95. There were proper cricketing shots, played all around the pitch.?
The batting style of Williamson appears to be conventional and well accomplished in the longer format of the game. But his ability to change gears as and when needed and the way he paces his innings according to the situation in shorter format of the game, makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world cricket.?
His numbers are prolific in shorter formats as well. In 149 matches played in 50 over format, he has scored 6132 runs at an average of 47.90 with an impressive strike rate of 82. In 60 Twenty20 International matches he has 1665 runs to his credit with an average of 31.35 and scoring at the rate of 121 runs per 100 balls.??
Apart from the mind-boggling numbers, the fact that he bats at the crucial No. 3 position in all formats of the game underscores the importance of his role as the most dependable batsman of his side.??
His approach to play is nonchalant and he seems to have ample time to make the shots. He is scoring runs in every format - a hallmark of a great batsman. That Williamson definitely is.?