Cricket: Williamson's success down to old-fashioned hard work

Kane Williamson was recently named New Zealand's test, one-day international and T20 player of the year. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Black Caps cricketer Kane Williamson believes his success in all forms of the game over the past 12 months is simply down to a desire to keep improving.

Williamson is currently playing in the Indian Premier League with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Yesterday he gave a broad-ranging interview to the ESPN Cricinfo website, during which he spoke of New Zealand's recent World Cup campaign and the upcoming tour of England.

Williamson has had mixed success in the IPL so far, scoring 26 against the Chennai Super Kings and nine against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In spite of his underwhelming form, Williamson said he was enjoying the experience.

"It's great to be involved alongside a lot of local Indian players who are extremely talented and also alongside some international cricketers who you have played so much against," he said.

"It is very different and naturally, playing in India is a great experience in front of such a passionate crowd."

Williamson was recently named the Black Caps' test, one-day international and T20 player of the year. His performances over the past 12 months have seen his test average skyrocket to 45.96 and his ODI average reach an impressive 44.76.

The 24-year-old said his form spike was the product of old-fashioned hard work.

"We play at the highest level [which] challenges you so much and you learn a lot about yourself and your game. Having that desire to continue to improve your game is very important," he said.

"You constantly have to adapt to changing conditions and ... different opposition. I suppose you have to allow all these things to come into how you improve your game."

Williamson has been widely touted as the Black Caps' captain-in-waiting, but for the time being he is happy to continue his apprenticeship under current skipper Brendon McCullum.

"Brendon's doing a fantastic job and I'm very much enjoying learning from him at the moment," he said. "If it's to happen in the future it is fine but if it happens to be someone else, then that's also fine.

"At the moment, I'm looking to play my part in the team and ... do as much as I can for the team."

Williamson will have to make a quick transition from T20 cricket to test mode when New Zealand arrive in England for a two-test series starting at Lord's in a month's time. Despite the negative publicity surrounding England of late, Williamson said Alastair Cook's team will be very difficult to beat.

"It's always tough playing England at home," he said. "They're very well suited to their conditions. It will be a big challenge for us but one that we're ... looking forward to.

"Hopefully we can play some good cricket in England and go on to ultimately win a series."