Ricky Ponting cracks formula for dismissing Kane Williamson and Steve Smith cheaply

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson registered his 22nd Test century during recently concluded 5-day contest against England. Williamson’s unbeaten innings ensured series-deciding match ended in a draw with New Zealand pocketing Test segment of English tour by a 1-0 margin. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting took te of Williamson’s recent run-of-form and likened Kiwi skipper with Test maverick Steve Smith.

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Ricky Ponting likens Kane Williamson with Steve Smith

While speaking with Cricket Australia, Ricky Ponting said that he sees a lot of Australian star in Kane Williamson. He added that he has mostly seen Williamson’s batting abilities up close in Indian Premier League (IPL). Furrmore, Ponting said that New Zealand captain is very ‘regimented’ in his batting approach which is very much like Steve Smith in Test cricket. He considers  two batsmen as those who can play ball late and do t get a big stride at ball. Ponting also suggested opposition bowlers that Smith and Williamson can be dismissed most often in a similar manner, which is by keeping ball on fourth and fifth stump with consistent lengths.

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According to latest ICC Test rankings for batsmen, both Steve Smith and Kane Williamson are placed at second and third positions respectively. Steve Smith held number 1 position for a while before being leapfrogged by Indian captain Virat Kohli in latest charts as of Tuesday. Only five rating points separate top 2 batsmen while Kane Williamson is third with 877 points.

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Meanwhile, Kane Williamson will w lead New Zealand in upcoming Trans-Tasman Trophy Test series in Australia. New Zealand are scheduled to play three Test matches starting with opening game from December 12. three-Test matches will form a part of ongoing ICC World Test Championship.

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