Cricket: Black Caps tour set to pose leading question

Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum. Photo / Getty Images

The importance of New Zealand's limited overs tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa has been downplayed, but it shapes as a key indicator of whether Kane Williamson is the heir apparent to Brendon McCullum as New Zealand cricket captain.

His tactical nous will face as much scrutiny as his batting performances.

Williamson turns 25 on Saturday. He has played 41 tests, 79 ODIs and 22 T20Is, yet a school of thought remains that he should be chaperoned into the captaincy later rather than assuming it prematurely.

However, a youthful disposition, thinly disguised on occasion by a luxuriant beard, should not distract from the fact Williamson is a cricketing sage relative to others his age.

By comparison, Stephen Fleming assumed the reins aged 23, having played 24 tests and 55 ODIs. Richie McCaw took over the permanent captaincy of the All Blacks aged 25, having played 36 tests (he stood in for Tana Umaga in two prior matches).

Like McCaw, Williamson is a guaranteed selection. Such a luxury should not be taken for granted, and Williamson's passive nature should not be misunderstood. It camouflages a steel core. Anyone who has watched him practise would attest to his discipline.

Much has been made of the successful team culture under McCullum and coach Mike Hesson over the past two-and-a-half years, but it has been dependent on commitment. Williamson's work ethic has been exemplary, as has his devotion to a team ethos.

If he brings those components to the captaincy, and his team-mates - who already respect him as a player and person - feel compelled to follow, New Zealand should extend their rosy era.

Williamson is more of an introvert to McCullum's extrovert, and it will take years to accumulate the incumbent's chutzpah, but the heir has a prime opportunity to set a benchmark across the upcoming six ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

New Zealand have won four and lost five in nine previous ODIs with Williamson in charge. Those results include a 3-2 series victory away against Pakistan in December, when Williamson top-scored with 97 in the decider (New Zealand won by 68 runs). He scored 346 runs at an average of 86.50 and strike rate of 90 across the series.

He looked flustered on occasion juggling the bowling changes, field settings and over rates, but that's part of the territory adjusting to any new job, especially in tight matches.

Williamson has the added conundrum of being without bowling spearheads Tim Southee and Trent Boult, and the all-round dynamism of Corey Anderson and Mitchell Santner meaning it will be a rigorous test.

5 questions to ponder

1. How does Jimmy Neesham transition back as the key all-rounder in Corey Anderson's absence?
2. Can Ish Sodhi, with his ability to spin the ball both ways and deliver useful batting cameos, threaten the primacy of Nathan McCullum?
3. Can Tom Latham establish himself as the logical replacement to assume opening duties once Brendon McCullum retires?
4. How has Adam Milne's body recovered after his heel injury?
5. How will Milne, Matt Henry, Mitchell McClenaghan, Doug Bracewell and Ben Wheeler cope with the pace bowling responsibilities sans Trent Boult
and Tim Southee?