A classic century by Kane Williamson in an unbroken 215-run stand with Henry Nicholls hauled New Zealand into a strong position at 286/3 at stumps on day two of the second Test against Pakistan on Monday.
New Zealand, having recovered from 71/3 in Christchurch, ended the day trailing Pakistan’s first innings 297 by just 11 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Williamson, newly installed as the world’s No 1 Test batsman, was unbeaten on 112, his 24th century, with Nicholls on 89.
Even when New Zealand were in trouble there was a sense in the side that Williamson would save them.
“When you know you’ve got someone like Kane Williamson there you know you’ve got a pretty strong rock to change the tide of an innings,” said New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi, adding that Williamson had put New Zealand in a “fantastic” situation.
“It’s him being him out there, it’s his own little world. He’s one of those players that make the game look really ease yet other…