Power Rankings: Is Kane Williamson our best ever batsman?

Kane Williamson. Photo / Getty Images.

Kane Williamson is wowing world cricket with his stylish, uncomplicated batting, and is set to deliver like a New Zealand batsman has not done before. So where does he stand in the historical power rankings? We went looking for the very best Kiwi batsmen, and found a top nine.

1) MARTIN CROWE. Test average: 45.36, from 131 innings (1982-1995)

Still the king, even if he has anointed Williamson as the man who will "probably" become our greatest ever. A stylist with outstanding technique. The numbers don't tell the story with Crowe. He was way better than the 45 average - injuries, New Zealand conditions and perhaps dodgy openers probably didn't help. In pure class, he was a 50-plus man. At his peak Crowe dismantled the feared West Indies pace attack, the scariest battery of bowlers the game has seen. One of cricket's finest thinkers, he has penned outstanding columns and starred in commentary boxes in retirements. Bottom line: a class act and big personality, with an aura unmatched for a batsman in Kiwi cricket.

2) GLENN TURNER. Test average: 44.64, from 73 innings (1969-1983)

The Otago opener led the New Zealand cricket revolution of the 1970s when he was a class above his peers. His remarkable mountain of runs against the West Indies in 1971 allowed the Kiwis to draw a long series in the Caribbean, and he was pivotal to the historic first win over Australia. The Aussies certainly knew he was the man to target with verbals. Turner built a career, learning the ropes with a pared-down game and ending up as an innovative stroke maker. He was an absolute superstar in English county cricket. Turner also stood his ground with administrators, demanding a more professional approach. Bottom line: World class, absolutely.

3) KANE WILLIAMSON. Test average: 47.19, from 77 innings (2010 - )

The silent destroyer and a class act off the field. Yes, we reckon he is already in the highest echelon, mixing it with Crowe and Turner. Already has a staggering 11 centuries. Even the hard nosed Aussies are mightily impressed - one writer called his recent innings in Brisbane "among the classiest test centuries ever seen at the Gabba". Temperament, balance, poise and every stroke in the book. Has anyone made the impossible art of batting look so easy? Williamson is so self-effacing that journos approach his press conferences in fear. Bowlers find it just as difficult to pin him down. Given his retiring nature, impending captaincy could be an issue. But apart from that, there will be no stopping him. Bottom line: Genius, although he will never admit it. Zooming towards number one, for sure.

4) ROSS TAYLOR. Test average: 44.39, from 119 innings (2007 -)

Maybe Taylor hasn't quite connected with the masses compared to some of the other big personalities here. But his numbers tell an impressive story. Taylor has notched an impressive 12 centuries from 64 games. Of Samoan heritage, he has been a quiet trailblazer in a game that is still trying to be more inclusive. Controversially stripped of the captaincy, he is still at the foothills for the second part of his career. Bottom line: A story still not fully told but Taylor is unlikely to overtake the big three.

5) BERT SUTCLIFFE. Test average: 40.10, from 76 innings (1947-1965)

A man noted for compiling massive scores, not a New Zealand strong point. He made young Kiwi cricketers believe they could foot it with the best. His bravery, after copping a bouncer in South Africa, is the stuff of legend. He lost some confidence against against fast bowling after that, but spin was another matter. At the age of 41, after a six year absence, he was recalled for a tour to India and in searing heat batted for a day and a half to compile a big century. Bottom line: Our first batting superstar.

6) MARK RICHARDSON. Test average: 44.77, from 65 innings (2000-2004)

Yes, the quirky guy on TV. The spinner turned batsman had an extremely respectable career as an opener by world standards, and a truly exceptional one by New Zealand standards although he battled a bit against the Aussies. Wrote a memoir called Thinking Negatively which epitomised an individual way of thinking which is said to have delayed his entrance into the New Zealand team, whose captain Stephen Fleming was unsure what influence he might have on the dressing room. Richardson limited his shot range in the test arena to brilliant effect. Bottom line: If only New Zealand had produced a few more openers like him.

7) MARTIN DONNELLY. Test average: 52.90, from 7 innings (1937-1949)

A war-interrupted career was too short to get a proper handle on. But apart from his wonderful average, the beauty of his strokeplay was revered to put it mildly.People truly gushed. Scored a double ton at Lords. Some rated him the best left hander they had seen. Bottom line: A rare beacon of hope in tough times.

8) STEWIE DEMPSTER. Test average: 65.72, from 15 innings (1930-1933)

Most of his tests were against England, and he also played the touring South Africans. Dempster died in 1974 holding the second highest test average, behind Don Bradman of course, for players with at least 10 innings. Given more opportunity and tests back then, he could have been regarded as New Zealand's best ever. Bottom line: Magnificent and mystique.

9) ANDREW JONES. Test average: 44.27, from 74 innings (1987-1995)

The ugly duckling amongst our elite with a method all of his own which included jumping to play bouncers. Never mind the style, and check out the substance. Had tremendous concentration and determination and an ability to go on and make big scores. A man for his time, the likes of which we won't see again. Bottom line: Did it his way and will always be treasured for that.