Adapting key for match win

Kane Williamson plays another masterful stroke during his innings of 166 against Australia in Perth. Photo / Getty Images

Pink ball ‘tricky’ and will keep all players on edge

Pink ball, red ball or white ball - it matters little to Kane Williamson when he has a bat in his hand.

Tauranga's world record run scorer in 2015 is in the form of his life ahead of today's historic day/night test in Adelaide.

The 25-year-old scored centuries in both tests played so far in the series, pushing his test average to 49.26. His form is so good Australian pace bowler Peter Siddle commented this week about restricting his run scoring options rather than how to get him out.

The Adelaide test is the first to be played under lights with a pink ball, which Williamson said was certainly different to see, particularly in the field.

"At certain stages it is very tricky to see. At certain times it is okay," he said.

"I suppose it is a combination with the ball and the time of day that you play that are the biggest differences in how the ball behaves.

"Teams will need to make those adaptions and hopefully get the most out of it.

"Whatever team goes in with the better tactics might gain a little advantage.

"It is the third test of the series and obviously we are 1-0 down. It is slightly unique in being with a pink ball and playing at night and the guys are very keen to certainly put in a good performance and try and level the series."

Taking enough wickets to win the test is a clear goal for the Black Caps.

But Williamson was pleased with the improvement in the team's bowling as the series has progressed.

"I think it is always a fine line. Ideally we improve all facets. They have a very good batting line-up and are aggressive and put pressure on the bowling, but if we can remain patient and put the ball in the right areas for longer periods of time, we have shown glimpses in the other tests that we can take wickets and put them under pressure. ."

Williamson said the high quality of the batting pitches in Australia had helped his run haul.

"The wickets have been very good and there is a bit more bounce and pace. It does naturally get you on the back foot a little more than other surfaces.

"It opens up some scoring opportunities," he said.

"They have been nice to bat on against a good bowling attack in Australia."

Williamson scored 166 in the last test in Perth in a record partnership of 265 with Ross Taylor, who scored 290.

It was the highest for New Zealand against Australia and Williamson would love to emulate Taylor's score in Adelaide.

"To see those sort of innings are certainly ones you admire for a whole bunch of reasons.

"No doubt all the guys who saw that would love to be in a similar position. They certainly don't happen every day but what an amazing innings that was."

-Adelaide test hours of play (NZ time): First session 4.30pm-6.30pm, second session 7pm to 8.50pm, third session 9.30pm to 11.30pm.