The retirement of Kane Williamson from international cricket marks a significant moment in the sport, leaving an intriguing question about his legacy within the 'Fab Four' of modern cricket. This quartet, comprising Williamson, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith, has dominated the sport for over a decade, with their careers so intertwined that discussing one often leads to invoking the others.
What makes this group particularly fascinating is the remarkable closeness of their Test averages. Despite thousands of runs and a long career, their averages are within a narrow corridor, with Smith leading at 56.06, followed closely by Williamson at 54.06. The gap between the highest and lowest averages is less than ten runs, showcasing an incredibly tight competition.
The Quiet Giant
Williamson's legacy is unique within this group. While Kohli is known for his intensity, Smith for his absurd peaks, and Root for his volume, Williamson's path was one of quiet consistency. He didn't have the giant peaks or the dramatic slumps, but instead, he compounded his success year after year. This consistency is evident in his Test averages, where he caught up with the other three despite playing fewer matches.
Match-Winning Runs
When it comes to match-winning contributions, Williamson's numbers are extraordinary. In Tests where New Zealand emerged victorious, his average soared to 81.1, significantly higher than Smith's 64, Root's 62, and Kohli's 51. This statistic highlights the impact of his runs, especially considering the smaller size of New Zealand's cricket nation compared to the other three.
Home and Away
Critics might point to Williamson's home average of 65.76, which is much higher than his away average of 45.41. However, an away average above 45 is an elite achievement in itself. Furthermore, New Zealand's pitches are known for their challenges, offering seam movement and unpredictability rather than easy runs. What's remarkable is that Williamson scored centuries against all nine Test opponents, a feat unmatched by any other New Zealander.
Captaincy and the World Test Championship
Williamson's captaincy brought out the best in him, with his average rising from 49 before captaincy to 57 during his tenure, and then further to 60 after stepping down. This contrasts with the experiences of Kohli, Root, and Smith, who all had their own unique challenges and curves under captaincy. Notably, Williamson led New Zealand to the inaugural World Test Championship title, a distinction that sets him apart from the others.
Endurance and Relevance
Williamson's career was one of endurance, defying the typical script of batters peaking in their late twenties and then declining. His early thirties saw an average of 66.7, the highest phase of his career. This longevity and consistency kept him relevant throughout his career, with his best year in 2015 often overlooked in conversations dominated by the peaks of Smith and Kohli.
Greatness Without Drama
As the first of the Fab Four to retire, Williamson leaves behind a legacy that showcases greatness without the need for drama. His quiet satisfaction with a completed career is a testament to his approach, showing that sometimes greatness arrives and departs softly. The endless debate about the GOAT within this group might have missed the point, as Williamson's career demonstrates that greatness can be achieved through consistency and endurance, rather than just dramatic peaks and valleys.
