New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra said that he relishes the chance to bat alongside Kane Williamson as the two batted well on Day 1 of the 1st Test against South Africa in Mount Maunganui. He also recalled receiving a special compliment from Williamson on reaching his maiden Test hundred. Ravindra, playing only his 4th Test, reached the feat in the 80th over of the innings with a couple off Dane Paterson. He finished the day unbeaten on 118 and his partnership with Williamson increased to an unbeaten 229.

Following the day’s play, Ravindra said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo: “After I got to my century, Kane come up to me and said, ‘mate, you’re unbelievable’. It’s so surreal. To be receiving that kind of special praise from one of the best batters in the world. It’s the coolest thing I’ve been a part of.”

He further added, “Playing alongside Kane is always very special. Sharing the crease with someone I idolise so much, life has come full circle for me. It’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment. Seeing him go about his business as usual, with his calmness and timing, and the positions he gets himself into, it was pure batting bliss. As a lover of New Zealand cricket, seeing him still score Test hundreds is unbelievable.”

Kane Williamson, on the other hand, scored a record-breaking 30th Test century and became the first Kiwi batter to accomplish the feat. The veteran reached the mark in the 79th over with a boundary off Tshepo Moreki as well.

“You saw it at the World Cup as well. It shows the pure resilience of the man, coming out of all those injuries and setbacks as an even better cricketer. You can see it in his character, work ethic, and the way he gives back to the team. Many guys who’ve played 15 years of international cricket, they might not have come back like Kane did,” Rachin Ravindra concluded.