Cricket: Williamson's sky-high average keeps rising

New Zealand's Kane Williamson plays a shot off the bowling of James Anderson during the third day of the first Test match between England and New Zealand. Photo / AP.

If Don Bradman is cricket's speed of light with a test average of 99.94, Kane Williamson has come close to a quantum leap in the past year.

In 16 test innings, with three not outs, Williamson has averaged 92.46 since June.

Of those to have played more than four innings, he is third behind England's Joe Root (94.84 from 17 innings with four not outs) and Australia's Steve Smith (94.30 from 12 innings with two not outs).

Curiously, the trio could be captains of their respective test teams for the best part of the next decade.

Williamson has scored five of his 10 test centuries, second to Pakistani Younis Khan's six in the same period.

Across a 41-test career, only Zimbabwe and Australia have been spared from his metronomic ability to score tons. New Zealand will meet the latter in six matches by the end of March.

Since his November 2010 test debut, Williamson's cumulative average, year-on-year, has gone from 37.81 to 31.57, 34.78, 40.28 and now 47.25.

That's the highest for any New Zealander who's played more than 15 test innings.

However, intoxicating as the numbers are, it's more about the character and confidence Williamson imbues in the team. His humility, determination and influence area core reason why this team succeeds. New Zealand have not lost any of the tests in which he's scored his previous nine centuries.

Even as Williamson approaches cricket's version of Einstein's E = mc2, he felt there was room for improvement after making 132 to set up New Zealand's 523 and a lead of 60 runs with England 74 for two heading into the fourth day.

"I was a bit brassed off," Williamson said prudently after making 32 post-century runs in 114 balls.

Kane Williamson joined an elite club with his 10th test century before the age of 25.

"The English bowled well under the cloud cover which made batting extremely difficult. I always want to score more, but the crowd was generous. They clap everyone whether you get runs or not."

Fellow New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham, who's recovering from injury, summed up Williamson's undemonstrative century celebration on Twitter:

"Kane was less excited scoring that hundred than I was this morning when I got the petrol pump to stop on exactly $100.00. Tad embarrassing."

Williamson was asked if it was a surprise to return for the lunch break and see his name printed on masking tape over the next inscription spot on the honours board.

"It was more of a surprise when the cloud came over and I was restricted for runs," Williamson said. "Plus, Lord's lunches are so good, but when you're not out you don't get to have a good go at them."

Williamson said he would like to have spent more time preparing with the odd warm-up game after returning from the Indian Premier League, but the most important thing was making the mental transition and not letting things that pop up disturb you.