During the ongoing second Test between New Zealand and England in Wellington, Kane Williamson cemented his place as the best batter New Zealand has ever produced.

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He overtook his long-time teammate Ross Taylor to become the Blackcaps’ leading Test run-scorer of all-time in characteristic fashion on the fourth day of the match after scoring his 26th Test century.

Working a James Anderson delivery off his toes and to the boundary, Williamson surpassed Taylor’s all-time record of 7683 Test runs, keeping New Zealand’s hopes alive of salvaging something from the Test.

With this achievement, the 32-year-old has by far the best record of any Kiwi batter in the history of the men’s game. Despite being knocked for just 209 runs in their first innings, New Zealand’s hopes were rekindled in their second innings thanks to Williamson and a number of their top-order players who were scoring more easily.

Although Williamson was eventually dismissed for 132 later in the day, he had already restored New Zealand’s position in the match ahead of what appeared to be an exciting final day in Wellington. With 26 Test centuries to his name, seven more than any other player, and a Test average that is north of 53 – greater than the top 20 batters on New Zealand’s all-time leading Test run-scorer list – Williamson’s prowess as a batter is unparalleled.

The right-hander has also notched up five double-hundreds in the format, with a top score of 251 against the West Indies in 2020. Remarkably, Williamson broke the record in his 92nd Test, underscoring his consistency and longevity in the sport.