'Have been torchbearers of New Zealand' - Sachin Tendulkar lauds Kane Williamson, Tim Southee for playing 100 Tests

In the second Test against Australia at Christchurch, New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Tim Southee joined the elite list of players who have played 100 Test matches for their country. Ahead of the match, the duo walked out onto the pitch with their kids as the umpires gave a standing ovation to two veteran cricketers.

The fans in attendance also gave a standing ovation to Williamson when he came out to bat but he couldn’t make the most of it on his milestone Test as the 33-year-old managed to score only 17 runs.

Meanwhile, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar lauded the duo and called them the ‘torchbearers of New Zealand cricket’. He pointed out that they have been playing cricket since the U19 World Cup in 2008 and it’s only fitting for them to play their 100th Test with one another by their side.

Also Read - Kane Williamson recalls his early days ahead of landmark 100th Test

“Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been the torchbearers of New Zealand cricket ever since they burst onto the scene at the 2008 U-19 World Cup. It is only fitting that they also play their 100th Test match together around 16 years later. All the very best to them for their landmark match against familiar foes Australia,” Sachin wrote on his X account.

New Zealand’s struggle in batting continues

The hosts once again struggled to put up a show with the bat in the second Test. Ace pacer Josh Hazlewood picked up a five-wicket haul while Michell Starc picked up three wickets as New Zealand were bundled out for 162 runs in the first innings. Opener Tom Latham made 38 runs, which is their highest individual score in the first innings as five of the players failed to score in double digits.

On the other hand, Steve Smith’s struggle against the new ball continued. The former captain made just 11 runs, while his opening partner Usman Khawaja scored 16. Following this, Marnus Labuschagne took control of the situation but yet, Australia wouldn’t be too happy with their batting performance as they lost four wickets on Day 1.